IJSTE - International Journal of Science Technology & Engineering | Volume 1 | Issue 11 | May 2015

ISSN (online): 2349-784X

Analysis of Concrete Gravity Dam by 3D Solid

Element Modeling using STAAD.Pro
Jay P. Patel
Student
Department of Civil Engineering
Merchant Institute of Technology. Mehsana, India

Prof. Zalakkumar R. Chhaya

Assistant Professor
Department of Civil Engineering
L.D. College of Engineering, Ahmedabad, India

Abstract
In this paper, an attempt is made to 3D modeling and analysis of gravity dam of solid element using STAAD.Pro. The load and
load combinations are taken as per IS 6512. Modelling of dam is considered in two categories, first is without openings and
second is with openings (i.e. galleries). Result of stresses and stress contours are described at the end of paper. The objective of
paper is to have a direction of analysis of dam considering solid elements using STAAD.Pro.
Keywords: Staad.Pro, IS 6512, 3D Modeling
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I. INTRODUCTION
A gravity dam is a solid structure, made of concrete or masonry, constructed across a river to create a reservoir on its upstream.
The section of the gravity dam is approximately triangular in shape, with its apex at its top and maximum width at
bottom. The section is so proportioned that it resists the various forces acting on it by its own weight. In this paper analysis of
dam is carried out using Staad.Pro software. Staad.pro is widely used for multistoried buildings with beam and columns.
However Staad.Pro can analyse any type of element such as, plate, shell or solid in addition to beam members. So, in the
software with suitable data shown below, dam is modeled with solid elements. Loadings are given as solid element pressures and
accordingly load combinations are made. The concrete gravity dam is shown in fig.

Fig. 1: Gravity Dam

II. INPUT DATA TAKEN FOR ANALYSIS

Table- 1
Input Data Taken For Analysis

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III. LOADING
A. Static Load:
1) The weight of the dam: The unit weight is determined from materials investigation.
2) Hydrostatic pressure of the water in the reservoir.
3) The uplift forces caused by hydrostatic pressure on the foundation at the interface of the dam and the foundation. Uplift
forces are usually considered in stability and stress analysis to ensure structural adequacy and are assumed to be
unchanged by earthquake forces.
Table 2
Static Load

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B. Load Combinations:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)

Dam completed but no tail water

Full reservoir elevation Normal uplift and silt
Reservoir at maximum water level Normal uplift and silt
Load combination A with earthquake
Load combination B with earthquake but no ice
Load combination C but with extreme uplift (Drain operative)
Load combination E but with extreme uplift (Drain inoperative)

C. Result of Stress at U/S and D/S Face by Manually:

Table 3
Result of Stress at U/s and D/S Face by Manually

IV. GRAVITY DAM WITHOUT OPENINGS

A. STAAD Input and Output:
1) Nodes:

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Analysis of Concrete Gravity Dam by 3D Solid Element Modeling using STAAD.Pro

(IJSTE/ Volume 1 / Issue 11 / 022)

Table 4
STADD Input and Output

2) Solids:
Table 5
Solid

V. GRAVITY DAM WITH OPENINGS

A. STAAD Input and Output:
1) Nodes:
Table 6
STAAD Input and Output

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Analysis of Concrete Gravity Dam by 3D Solid Element Modeling using STAAD.Pro

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2) Solids:
Table 7
Solid

3) Solids Loads:
1) Earthquake Load
2) Dead Load (Self Weight)
3) Live Load (Water pressure, Hydrostatic pressure, Weight of water, Silt pressure, Tail water pressure, Uplift pressure)

VI. STABILITY AND STRESS ANALYSIS

A. C.G. And Total Self Weight:
Table 8
C.G and Total Self Weight
CENTRE OF GRAVITY
BY EXCEL SHEET
BY STAAD.Pro

TOTAL SELF WEIGHT

67.18
67.17

47.10
47.08

50
50

45057625
44996380

B. Normal and Shear Stress on Gravity Dam without Openings:

Table 9
Normal and Shear Stress on Gravity Dam without Openings

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C. Principal and Von MIS Stress on Gravity Dam without Openings:

Table 10
Principal and Von MIS Stress on Gravity Dam without Openings

Fig. 2: Model Structure

Fig. 3: Structure with Solid Loading

Fig. 4: Structure with 3d View

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Fig. 5: Structure with Stress

D. Normal and Shear Stress on Gravity Dam with Openings:

Table 11
Normal and Shear Stress on Gravity Dam with Openings

E. Principal and Von MIS Stress on Gravity Dam with Openings:

Table - 12
Principal and Von MIS Stress on Gravity Dam with Openings

Fig. 6: Model Structure

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Fig. 7: Structure with 3d View

Fig. 8: Structure with 3d View

Fig. 9: Structure with Solid Loading

Fig. 10: Structure with 3d View

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Fig. 11: Structure with Stress

VII. CONCLUSION
From the modeling and analysis the results can be concluded as per the following points:
1) Maximum stress in dam with openings is 4193.257 KN/m2 and without openings it is 3117.744 KN/m2.
2) The dam without openings the maximum stresses are concentrating near u/s face ranges from 0.59 N/mm2 to
0.977 N/mm2.
3) Dam with openings, Maximum stress concentrated around the openings are 4.13 N/mm2.
4) So far earthquake forces static loading is given as per the STAAD.Pro definitions and command and not
manually, however dynamic analysis is not considered in this paper.
5) There are some uncertainties still prevailing regarding stability at support conditions. In this paper Solid
foundations are considered to avoid this situation.

REFERENCE
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]

Karuna Moy Ghosh,Analysis and Design Practice of Hydraulic Concrete Structure PHI Learning Private Limited
US Army Corps of Engineers, Gravity Dam Design EM 1110-2-2200 30 June 1995
Bentley, STAAD.Pro www.bentley.com/en-US/Products/STAAD.Pro
IS 12966 (Part 1) -1992, Practice for Galleries and Other Openings in Dam, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.
IS 12966 (Part 2) -1990, Practice for Galleries and Other Openings in Dam, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.
IS 6512 -1984, Criteria for Design of Solid Gravity Dam, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.
IS 1893 (Part 1) -2002, Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.

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