Physical And Mathematical Model Study For Stability Of Arch Dams

Base stability analysis is very important in the design and analysis of arch dam. Combined with the practical project of Niutoushan hydropower station, this paper studies the stability of Niutoushan arch dam by 3-D geomechanical model test and nonlinear FEM analyse, and gets some useful conclusions and advice. Model test theory and finite element method is applied to the study of the arch dam .The main contents of this paper include:1. The research methods of arch dam base stability are systematically summarized and contrasted. The superiority of the combination of physical model and mathematical model is submitted.2. The principle and methods of physical model (geomechanical model test method ) and mathematical model (FEM) are presented. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed.3. Based on the topography and geologic character of Niutoushan arch dam abutment and base, and the interlayer and internal faults, which control the stability of the project, we build the three-dimensional geomechanical model and carry out the upto failure test by overload method.4. The theory and method of arch dam nonlinear FEM simulation analysis are studied. The process of FEM modeling by ANSYS and the technique of actualization are discussed. Then the mathematical model in ANSYS is calculated by FEM.5. Comparing the results of model test with the FEM calculation, some useful conclusion are obtained.