Topology Optimization For Cross-section Of Low Overflow Gravity Dam

The content of this paper depends on Water Resources Project in Wanniu Dam, ShaanxiProvince, which applies the ANSYS software for the topology optimization of2-D lowoverflow gravity dam under three conditions-design, normal and check. To solve the problemof dam section structure as well as seek the optimal distribution of materials for the dam crosssection, this thesis uses the sand gravel to embank the dam in low stress region and applyoptimization method for solving dam stability problem, which can save the dam concretematerials and reduce the cost of dam engineering as well.The paper focuses on the following aspects.(1) Through studying the related literature, summarize the concept and research progressof structural topology optimization, and explain the present situation in the optimizationdesign of gravity dam. Subsequently, compare several methods of structural topologyoptimization, then focus on the variable density method.(2) Using topology optimization module (traditional variable density method) in ANSYS12.0, supposes the minimizing compliance as objective function and the volume as constraintscondition with different volume erasure rates. Then apply the topology optimization methodfor the low overflow gravity dam under three conditions. The final optimal results show thateach volume erasure rate can meet requirements of engineering design. Therefore, it reflectsthat topology optimization theory is feasible for the optimal design in cross-section structureof low overflow gravity dam.(3) Based on ANSYS12.0and the APDL language, set the coefficient of stability againstsliding as a constraint in the design of low overflow gravity dam, which can be programmedinto the variable density method of topology optimization. In this way, it can help the userscheck the stability against sliding directly instead of establishing the calculation model againafter last topology optimization, thus simplify the post-processing operation and improvetopology optimization program of the gravity dam.(4) In this paper, the concrete material in low stress zone will be replaced by sand gravel.Using ANSYS software achieves the parametric fitting for topology optimization results ofthe gravity dam, then exert constraints and parametric load on the model to get the optimal outcome. Finally, through analyzing the obtained results, all the stress、the displacement andthe coefficient of stability against sliding meet the design requirements.(5) The topology optimization results of gravity dam section within various conditionsand different removing rate show that the stress of low overflow gravity dam section will bemuch lower in the top of the dam and the central area of the dam body. It suggests thatapplying low strength materials, such as sand gravel, for embankment the low stress zone ofdam body can reduce the engineering cost.However, the research of this thesis is still at the level of the theory application. We needto improve the ANSYS software in the future research in order to obtain more accuratesimulation results for the actual projects, at the same time, apply the ANSYS software itselfmore widely.