Dynamic modelling of arch dams in the ambient state
Master Thesis
2014
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
To date, dam failures have resulted in significant losses in the commercial economy and in human life. Raising awareness in the field of structural health monitoring is neccesary to develop contemporary structural analysis and monitoring methods to ensure the integrity of these structures. Hence, the research aims at developing an analytical formulation that can be used in the dynamic modelling of arch dams, for structural health monitoring purposes. A hypothetical arch dam model was created to investigate the influence of a reservoir’s orientation and geometry on the dam’s dynamic properties, and the discrepancies between the Westergaard and Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) analysis methods. The two analysis methods were then utilized to develop an updatable finite element model, in a case study pertaining to the 72m high Roode Elsberg concrete-arch dam. Thereafter, ambient vibration tests were conducted on the Roode Elsberg dam to measure its dynamic properties and validate the finite element models. The excitation on the dam was provided by the wind and the reservoir flowing over the spillway. Vibrations of the dam were measured and recorded by accelerometers placed on the cantilevered arch blocks. Finally, the Frequency Domain Decomposition (FDD) algorithm was used to analyse the acquired data and identify the natural frequencies of the dam.
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Includes bibliographical references.
Reference:
Vezi, M. 2014. Dynamic modelling of arch dams in the ambient state. University of Cape Town.