ARQ (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 76397, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040, South Africa
Shaw, Q.H.W., ARQ (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 76397, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040, South Africa
The impact of new materials model for high strength RCC on the design of large dams is discussed through the example of Changuinola 1 dam in Panama, focusing on aspects of particular importance for arch dams. An approach combining field measurement with structural modeling to predict and demonstrate actual materials behavior is discussed. The finite element (FE) analysis confirmed that the anticipated residual tensile stresses between induced joints spaced at 20 m are minimal, peaking at only 50 microstrain for a temperature drop of the order of 20°C. The study finds that applying a uniform temperature drop of 6°C, arch action concentrated more towards the upstream side and the top of the structure, is observed. The design approach of Changuinola 1 dam requires installation of cooling pipes in the RCC above the upper gallery if shrinkage and creep are evident in the RCC.
Arch action; Cooling pipes; Dam design; Design approaches; Field measurement; Finite elements; High strength; Induced joints; Large dams; Materials behavior; Micro-strain; New material; Residual tensile stress; Shrinkage and creep; Structural modeling; Temperature drops; Uniform temperature; Arches; Dams; Drops; Finite element method; Design