Simulation and crack analysis of the whole process of a Roller Compacted Concrete dam during construction and operation

Abstract The structural safety calibration is an essential problem of Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) dams. Due to the simulation complexity of RCC dams and shortcomings of conventional methods, usually, the actual mechanics state cannot be obtained easily by the numerical methods. In this paper, a RCC gravity arch dam in Laos is taken for an example, the simulation program has been developed, and three-dimensional simulation analysis of the temperature field and stress-strain field of the whole process of RCC dam during construction and operation is carried out. The composite contact crack element is proposed to simulate the complicated mechanical behaviors of various kinds of joints and cracks. The research results show that the simulation results of the temperature field, the stress-strain field and cracking are close to the monitoring data, the space-time evolution of the temperature field and the stress-strain field of the RCC dam are obtained. The whole working state of the RCC dam is evaluated, and the causes of the dam cracks are revealed. The research results are adopted by the design institute, which is of great importance to ensure the engineering safety of design, construction, impoundment and operation.