Stochastic Finite Element Method Analysis Of Arch Dam Abutment Stability

Based on the theories of finite element and reliability, the basic idea about application of the stochastic finite element method used to analyze the abutment stability against sliding of the arch dam is presented in this paper. At first, the basic theory and general process of the abutment stability against sliding of the arch dam with common definite solution (the limiting equilibrium method of the rigid body and finite element method) are simply developed. Then combined with, reliability computation, the stochastic finite element method is used to establish the relationship between the load effect (stress or force) and basic stochastic variable dealing with statistical features of variables. Based on the stochastic finite element method, the reliability of the arch dam abutment stability against sliding is analyzed, and the corresponding reliability index is calculated. Meanwhile, the influence of the distribution types, cut- tail and correlation of the stochastic variable on the reliability is discussed Finally, the application of the arch dam abutment stability against sliding analysis with the way of common definite solution and stochastic finite element method is tested by one practical example analyzed and calculated in our province. .