Concrete Gravity Dam Analysis for Different Layers with Variable Load Condition

Abstract

A dam is a structure that is constructed over a stream or river to keep water from flowing downstream. The
dam can be employed for irrigation, controlling flood, generating electricity. The dam failure can cause the
huge damage to human life, infrastructure, ecosystem and habitat are destroyed, etc. Gravity dams are
thick concrete constructions with a geometric design, mass, and strength that ensure their stability. Therefore,
the stability of dam is the most important factor considered while designing the dam. Stability requirement
of concrete gravity dam are, a) the dam shall be safe for sliding, b) the dam shall be safe for overturning, c)
the dam shall be safe in crushing. The main aim of this study is to design and analyse the concrete gravity
dam by multiple step method. The dam is divided into 10 zones. The vertical, principle and shear stresses
are obtained at the bottom of each zone. The stability checks are provided at every zone. As the loading is
changed at every zone, variation of factor of safety against sliding and overturning is observed at a particular
zone. The variation of factor of safety with respect to zones are discussed in detail.