Seismic Review Analysis Of Baozhusi Gravity Dam Based On Finite Element Method

Gravity dam is a long history hydraulic structure, simple structure, safe and reliable. Many water conservancy projects have used gravity dam as retaining structure.May 12, 2008, magnitude 8 earthquake occurred in Wenchuan County in Sichuan province of China. The earthquake disaster caused enormous loss of life and property to the people of our country. Southwest of China is the gathering place of large water projects, the key projects which are located in earthquake area underwent a severe test, part of the projects suffered a certain of degree damage. In order to protect lives and property of people in the reservoir area, and ensure that the key projects can run safely and stably, seismic review of key projects in earthquake area is necessary. Baozhusi Gravity dam which is a first-class project in earthquake area, performed well in Wenchuan earthquake. But the seismic intensity of this region was re-calssified after the earthquake. Therefore, to ensure the safe opreation of Baozhusi gravity dam, the seismic analysis needs to be reviewed.In recent years, finite element method in static and dynamic analysis of gravity dam has been well developed, compared to the traditional mechanics of materials, finite element method is more in-depth and flexible. Research methods which consider material nonlinearity and Geometric nonlinearity have also been widely used in engineering design and analysis work.For the seismic safety review of Baozhusi gravity dam, this paper expounded the dangers of earthquakes on hydraulic engineering, and seismic basic theories and research methods, did the model calculation of Baozhusi gravity dam with the application of advanced finite element analysis software Patran and ABAQUS.Two-dimensional finite element models were created for the typical sections of Baozhusi gravity dam including non-overflow section, spillway section and plant section. The seismic review analysis was carried out in different respects which includes displacement and stress level, stability against sliding, and earthquake destruction.Overall three-dimensional model was created for the research of the response characteristics of Baozhusi gravity dam under three different forms of seismic loading, and the transverse joints were considered.Combined with the performance of Baozhusi gravity dam in Wenchuan earthquake and the results of finite element analysis, the static and dynamic response characteristics and existing seismic safety problem of Baozhusi gravity dam were summerized and some engineering advice was given.