Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Evaluation of Reinforcement and Analysis of Stability of a High-Arch Dam Based on Geomechanical Model Testing

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Reinforcement measures are often used in high-arch dams with complicated geological foundations. The geomechanical model test is an effective method to study the global stability of arch dams and to evaluate the reinforcement effects of foundation treatments. The block masonry technique was developed to simulate the jointed rock mass, tectonic discontinuities, and reinforcement measures. A tailor-made low-strength binder and small blocks were developed to simulate the strength and deformation of the jointed rock mass and discontinuities, respectively. We applied this technique to geomechanical model tests of the Dagangshan arch dam with and without foundation reinforcements. A rupture test was conducted, and the stress and displacement distribution of the dam and abutments were recorded; the failure mechanisms and processes were explored. The reinforcement effects of the foundation treatment were evaluated by comparing the test results of the models with and without foundation reinforcements. Our analysis indicates that foundation reinforcements can improve the stress distribution, decrease deformation, prevent slides, reduce fault movement, and improve the global stability of high-arch dams.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16
Fig. 17
Fig. 18
Fig. 19
Fig. 20
Fig. 21
Fig. 22
Fig. 23
Fig. 24
Fig. 25
Fig. 26
Fig. 27
Fig. 28
Fig. 29
Fig. 30

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Chen J, Lai YQ (1993) Experimental study on the reinforcement scheme for the Geheyan gravity-arch dam on Qingjiang river by means of geomechanical model. J Yangtze River Sci Res Inst 10(1):36–43 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen XH, Wang Z (1983) A research on stability of an arch dam abutments by geomechanical model tests. Chin J Geotech Eng 5(1):77–88 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen XG, Zhang QY, Yang WD et al (2011) Comparative analysis of model tests and in situ monitoring of zonal disintegration of rock mass in deep tunnels. Chin J Geotech Eng 33(1):70–76 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen Y, Zhang L, Yang GX et al (2012) Anti-sliding stability of a gravity dam on complicated foundation with multiple structural planes. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 55:151–156. doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2012.07.010

    Google Scholar 

  • da Silveira AF, Azevedo MC, Esteves Ferreira MJ, Perreira da Costa CA (1979) High density and low strength material for geomechanical models. In: Proceeding of the international colloquium on geomechanical model. ISRM, Bergamo, pp 115–131

  • Fei WP, Zhang L, Zhang R (2010) Experimental study on a geo-mechanical model of a high arch dam. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 47(2):299–306. doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2009.12.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fishman YA (2008) Features of shear failure of brittle materials and concrete structures on rock foundation. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 45(6):976–992. doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2007.09.011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fumagalli E (1966) Stability of arch dam rock abutments. In: Proceedings of 1st ISRM Congress, Lisbon, pp 503–508

  • Fumagalli E (1973) Statical and geomechanical models. Springer, New York

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Han BL, Chen XL, Song YL et al (1997) Research on similar material of rock mass. J Wuhan Univ Hydraul Electr Eng 30(2):6–9 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jin F, Hu W, Pan JW et al (2011) Comparative study procedure for the safety evaluation of high arch dams. Comput Geotech 38:306–317. doi:10.1016/j.compgeo.2010.10.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lemos JV (1996) Modelling of arch dams on jointed rock foundations. In: Proceedings of ISRM international symposium—EUROCK 96, Turin pp 519–526

  • Lemos JV, Pina CAB, Costa CP et al (1995) Experimental study of an arch dam on a jointed foundation. In: Proceedings 8th ISRM Congress, Tokyo, pp 1263–1266

  • Li ZK, Wang AM (2006) Application and consideration of using fiber-sensor measurement in a 3D geo-mechanical model test. Exp Technol Manag 23(12):57–60 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu J, Feng XT, Ding XL et al (2003) Stability assessment of the Three-Gorges Dam foundation, China, using physical and numerical modeling—part I: physical model tests. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 40(5):609–631. doi:10.1016/S1365-1609(03)00055-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ma FP, Li ZK, Luo GF (2004) NIOS model material and its use in geomechanical similarity model test. J Hydroelectr Eng 23(1):48–51 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Oliveria.S, Faria R (2006) Numerical simulation of collapse scenarios in reduced scale tests of arch dams. Eng Struct 28(10):1 430–431, 439. doi:10.1016/j.engstruct.2006.01.012

  • Wang XQ, Ge H, Li Y (1989) The application of white light speckle method to measure deformation in modeling experiment of similar materials. J Chengdu Coll Geol 16(2):109–112 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang HP, Li SC, Zheng XF (2009) Research progress of geomechanical model test with new technology and its engineering application. Chin J Rock Mech Eng 28(Suppl.1):2765–2771 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yu X, Zhou YF, Peng SZ (2005) Stability analysis of dam abutments by 3D elasto-plastic finite-element method: a case study of Houhe gravity-arch dam in China. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 42(3):415–430. doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2005.01.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang GX, Liu Y, Zhou QJ (2008) Study on real working performance and overload safety factor of high arch dam. Sci China Ser E Technol Sci 51:48–59. doi:10.1007/s11431-008-6012-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou WY, Yang RQ, Yan GR (1997) Stability evaluation methods and criteria in designing large arch dams. Design Hydroelectr Power Stn 13(2):1–7 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou J, Lin G, Zhu T, Jefferson AD, Williams FW (2000) Experimental investigations into seismic failure of high arch dam. J Struct Eng 126:926–935. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(2000)126:8(926

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou WY, Yang RQ, Liu YR, Lin P (2005) Research on geomechanical model of rupture tests of arch dam for their stability. J Hydroelectr Eng 24(1):53–58 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu WS, Li Y, Li SC et al (2011) Quasi-three-dimensional physical model tests on a cavern complex under high in situ stresses. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 48(2):199–209. doi:10.1016/j.ijrmms.2010.11.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The work reported here was supported by the State Key Laboratory of Hydroscience and Hydraulic Engineering with grant no. 2013-KY-2 and the China National Funds for Distinguished Young Scientists with grant no. 50925931.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Hydroscience and Hydraulic Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China

    L. Zhang, Y. R. Liu & Q. Yang

Authors
  1. L. Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Y. R. Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Q. Yang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Y. R. Liu.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Zhang, L., Liu, Y.R. & Yang, Q. Evaluation of Reinforcement and Analysis of Stability of a High-Arch Dam Based on Geomechanical Model Testing. Rock Mech Rock Eng 48, 803–818 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-014-0578-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-014-0578-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation