International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics

Volume 119 No. 17 2018, 297-310

ISSN: 1314-3395 (on-line version)
url: http://www.acadpubl.eu/hub/
Special Issue
http://www.acadpubl.eu/hub/

STABILITY ANALYSIS OF CONCRETE GRAVITY DAM

USING STAAD PRO
Mr. Manoj Nallanathel [1], Mr. B. Ramesh [2], AB. Pavan Kumar Raju [3]
Associate Professor [1], Professor [2], Bachelor of Engineering [3]
Department of Civil Engineering, Saveetha School of engineering,
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technological Sciences, Chennai-602105, TN, INDIA.
jonamcivil@gmail.com [1], ramesh.bhaskar@gmail.com [2], abd.pavan.raju@gmail.com [3]

Abstract: structure; to evaluate such structure manually is

A gravity dam is a solid structure, made of
concrete or masonry, built throughout a river to
create a reservoir on its upstream. The segment of
the gravity dam is approximately triangular in
shape, with its apex at its pinnacle and most width
at backside. The phase is so proportioned that it
resists the numerous forces acting on it by using
its very own weight. In this paper analysis of dam
is achieved the use of STAAD.pro software
program. STAAD.pro is extensively used for
multi-storied homes with beam and columns. But
STAAD.pro can examine any form of element
which include, plate, shell or strong further to
beam individuals. So, in the software with
appropriate facts, dam is modelled with stable
factors. Result of stresses and pressure contours
are defined on the end of paper. The goal of paper
is to have a course of analysis of dam thinking
about solid elements using STAAD.pro and
conventional methods. STAAD.pro is computer
software, which is used for stability and stress
analysis of structures. Dam is such a massive
very tedious and long timing process so it’s easy
to evaluate the dam stability STAAD.pro.
Key words: Gravity dam, concrete, moments,
frictional force, stability, STAAD Pro v8i
Introduction:
The gravity dam is constructed with the concrete
or masonry. The purpose of the dam is to store,
hold water and to control the floods, to supply
water to households, irrigation, energy
generation, livestock water supplies, pollution
control etc..,. The dam are classified according to
the type of material used in construction, the way
dam resist the loads, type of the structure etc..,.
The materials used for construction of dams
include earth, rock, tailings from mining or
milling, concrete, masonry, steel, timber,
miscellaneous materials and any combination of
all these materials. The following are the different
dams as their shape, size and use of it.
 Embankment dams

297
International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics
 Gravity dams
 Buttress dams
 Arch dams.
 Coffer dams.
Essentially a gravity dam should fulfill the
subsequent standards:
1. It will be secure in opposition to overturning
at any horizontal role in the dam at the touch
with the inspiration or inside the basis.
2. It have to be secure towards sliding at any
horizontal plane within the dam, at the contact
with the inspiration or alongside any geological
feature within the foundation.
3. The segment need to be so proportional that the
allowable stresses in each the concrete and the
foundation must no longer exceed.
Objectives:-
The main objective is to determine the stability of
the concrete gravity dam with different load
conditions by varying the water level. The
stability of concrete gravity dam is analyzed by
using STAAD Pro. With the three different
conditions are
 When the reservoir is empty.
 When the reservoir is half fill.
 When the reservoir is fully fill.
About STAAD.pro: -
STAAD Pro is a structural analysis and design
computer program originally developed by
Research Engineers International at Yorba Linda,
298
Special Issue
CA in 1997. In late 2005, Research Engineers
International was bought by Bentley Systems. An
older version called STAAD-III for Windows is
used by Iowa State University for educational
purposes for civil and structural engineers. The
commercial version, STAAD Pro, is one of the
most widely used structural analysis and design
software products worldwide. It supports several
steel, concrete and timber design codes. It can
make use of various forms of analysis from the
traditional 1st order static analysis, 2nd order p-
delta analysis, geometric non-linear analysis,
Pushover analysis (Static-Non Linear Analysis)
or a buckling analysis. It can also make use of
various forms of dynamic analysis from modal
extraction to time history and response spectrum
analysis. In recent years it has become part of
integrated structural analysis and design solutions
mainly using an exposed API called Open
STAAD pro to access and drive the program
using a Visual Basic macro system included in
the application or by including Open STAAD
functionality in applications that themselves
include suitable programmable macro systems.
Additionally, STAAD Pro has added direct links
to applications such as RAM Connection and
STAAD Foundation to provide engineers
working with those applications which handle
design post processing not handled by STAAD
Pro itself. Another form of integration supported
by the STAAD Pro is the analysis schema of the
CIM steel Integration Standard, version 2
International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics Special Issue

commonly known as CIS/2 and used by a number gravity) is generally sufficient for high dams in
modeling and analysis applications. seismic zones. In extremely seismic regions and
in conservative designs, even a value of 0.3g may
sometimes by adopt. Vertical acceleration
Forces on the concrete gravity dam
reduces the unit weight of the dam material and
1. Water pressure: -
that of water is to(1-kv) times the original unit
Water Pressure (p) is the most major external
weight, where kv is the value of g accounted
force acting on such a dam. The horizontal water
against earthquake forces, i.e. 0.1 when 0.1g is
pressure, exerted by the weight of the water
accounted for earthquake forces. The horizontal
stored on the upstream side of the dam can be
acceleration acting towards the reservoir causes a
estimated from rule of hydrostatic pressure
momentary increase in water pressure and the
distribution. This is the largest external force
foundation and dam accelerate towards the
acting on the dam. It has the largest capacity for
reservoir and the water resists the movement
disturbing the stability of the dam. It is a
owing to its inertia. The extra pressure exerted by
horizontal force which acts at the C.G. of the
this process is known as hydrodynamic pressure.
pressure distribution diagram, due to water. The
pressure distribution diagram is always triangular
3. Silt Pressure: -
with zero value at surface of the water and
If h is the height of silt deposited, then the forces
increasing linearly to maximum at the base of the
exerted by this silt in addition to the external
dam. The value of maximum horizontal pressure
water pressure, can be represented by Rankin’s
at base of the dam is w.h where w is the density
formula psilt =12γgh2ka acting at h/3 from the
of water in kg/m3 and h the depth of water in
base. Where, ka = coefficient of active earth
meters. Since pressure distribution diagram due
pressure of silt = 1−𝑠𝑖𝑛∅1+𝑠𝑖𝑛∅ ∅ = angle of
to water is triangular, the value of the total
internal friction of soil, cohesion neglected.
horizontal pressure (P) due to water will be area
γs= submerged unit weight of silt material. h =
of the triangle.
height of silt deposited.
2. Earthquake Forces: - The effect of
4. Wave Pressure: - Waves are generated on the
earthquake is equivalent to acceleration to the
surface of the reservoir by the blowing winds,
foundation of the dam in the direction in which
which exert a pressure on the downstream side.
the wave is travelling at the moment. Earthquake
Wave pressure depends upon wave height which
wave may move in any direction and for design
is given by the equation
purposes, it is resolved into the vertical and
hw =0.32√𝑝𝑣+0.763-0.271×F1/4 for F < 32 km,
horizontal directions. On an average, a value of
and hw =0.32√𝑝𝑣 for F > 32 km Where hw is the
0.1 to 0.15g (where g = acceleration due to

299
International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics Special Issue

height of water from the top of crest to bottom of
trough in meters
5. Ice Pressure: - The ice which may be formed
on the water surface of the reservoir in cold
countries may sometimes melt and expand. The
dam face is subjected to the thrust and exerted by
the expanding ice. This force acts linearly along
the length of the dam and at the reservoir level.
The magnitude of this force varies from 250 to
1500 KN/m2 depending upon the temperature
variations. On an average, a value 500 KN/m2
may be taken under ordinary circumstances.
6. Weight of dam: - The weight of dam and its
foundation is a major resisting force
thru structural interface (i.e. Brackets) which
attaches the mullions to the constructing
Design steps in STAAD.pro
Step - 1: Creation of nodal points. Based on the
positioning of plan we entered the node points
into the STAAD file
Step - 2: Representation of plates. By using, add
plate command we had drawn the plates between
the corresponding node points.
Step - 3: 3D view of structure. Here we have used

Methodology:- the Transitional repeat command in Y direction

get the 3D view of structure.
A studies offers the primary functions and
Step - 4: Supports and property assigning. After
corporation of STAADPRO, a software that has
the creation of structure, the supports at the base
been advanced for the static and seismic stability
of structure are specified as fixed. In addition, the
opinions of concrete gravity dams. STAADPRO
Materials were specified and cross section of
is primarily based at the gravity approach the
plate members was assigned.
usage of rigid frame equilibrium and beam idea
Step - 5: 3D rendering view. After assigning the
to carry out pressure analyses, compute crack
property the 3d rendering view of the structure
lengths, and protection elements. Seismic
can be shown
analyses can be executed the usage of both the
Step - 6: Assigning of wind loads. Wind loads are
pseudo-static and a simplified response spectrum
defined as per IS 875 PART 3 based on intensity
approach. The Curtain Wall is designed the usage
calculated and exposure factor. Then loads are
of STAADPRO to face up to and manage all of
added in load case details in +X,-X, +Z,-Z
the imposed masses on it in addition to preserve
directions.
air and water from penetrating within the
Step - 7: Assigning of dead loads.
constructing. The masses imposed at the curtain
Step -8 :- Assigning of load combinations
wall are transferred to the constructing structure
DL+LL, DL+LL+UPL,DL+LL+UPL+WL

300
International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics Special Issue

multiple factor of 1,1.5& wind load having PW=392400N/m

different directions of X+ ,X- ,Z+ ,Z- =392.4KN/m2
Step-9:- Concrete Design by using STAAD.pro Water pressure=1/2x40x392.4
software for analysis part and assign all required =7848kN
parameters also. The code books are IS 456: 2000 Acts on 40/30=13.34mts from the base
& SP 16:2000. Uplift pressure:-
Step-10:- save and run the file for analysis print. At heel
Check how many errors for dam from this P’=γh
process, if not getting any results so can we =1000x9.81x40
modified & find out where did we mistaken. =392400N/m =392.4kN/m
Finally post processing & print out of analysis At toe
can be taken out. P’’=γh’
Step-11:- After analysis part of entire gravity =1000x9.8x10
dam only applicable to start STAAD. Foundation =98100N/m =98.1kN/m
v8i for entire building design separately. We can Over turning moment:-
design based upon our requirements types of Moment over toe
foundations, depth of footings. Stabilizing moments
M1=w1x32.7
Calculations:- =509021.28x32.7 =16644995.86kNm
Case 1 :-when the reservoir is empty M2=w2x20.26mts
Self-weight- =1431475.2x20.26 =29001687.55kNm
W= l x b x h x γcon M1+m2=45646683.41kNm
W1= 4.6mx47mx100mx24x9.81 Opposing moments:-
=509021.28kN Mw1=784800x13.34
W2=1/2x30.4x40x2.4x9.81x100 =10469232 KN.m
=1431475.2kN Mup1=490506x20.26m
Case 2:- when the reservoir is maximum level =9937530kNm
Self-weight- Mw1 +mup1 =10469232 + 9937530 KN.m
W1=509021.28kN Factor of safety=45646683/20406762
W2=1431475.2Kn =2.24 >2 safe
Water pressure:- Sliding:-
PW=ρgh Friction ff=μ.N
=1000x9.81x40mts =0.7(509021.28 + 1431475.2

301
International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics Special Issue

1358347.536 =108654kNm
Wp=784800 Mup’=257512.5x2026
F.o.s =1358347.536/784800 =521720.25
=1.73 >1.5 Mw1’+ Mup’=6525857.25
Safe Factor of safety=4564668.41/6525857.25
Case 3:- =6.9972
When the reservoir is half fill Safe
W1=509021.28kN Sliding force:-
W2=1431475.2kN Friction
Water pressure:- Ff=μn
W1=ρgh =0.7(509021.28+1431475.2
=1000x9.81x20m =1358347.536 kN
=196200N/m =196.2kN/m2 Wp =196200kN
Wp1=1/2x20x196.2 Factor of safety=1358347.536/196200
=1962kN =6.9 > 1.5
Acts on20/3=6.67mts Safe
Uplift pressure:- Tables and Results:-
At heel Case 2
up1=γwxh Sl.no force Horizontal force Vertical force
=1000x9.81x20
1 Self-weight 509021.28
=196.2kN/m M1
At toe M2 1431475.2

Up2=γwxh 2 Water 748400

pressure W
=1000x9.81x10 3 Uplift -396.2
=98100N/m pressure, at
heel
=98.1kN/m At toe -98.1
Over turning moment 4 Silt pressure -180
Stabilizing moment Table 1
Mw1=16644995.86kNm Sl.no force Horizontal force Vertical force
Mw2=29001687.55kNm
1 Self-weight 509021.28
Mw1+Mw2=45646683.41 M1
Opposing moment M2 1431475.2

Mw1’=196200x6.67 2 Water 196200

pressure W

302
International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics Special Issue

3 Uplift -196.2 4 Silt pressure -180

pressure, at
Table 2
heel
At toe -98.1

Results:-

Fig1: Design of Loads case 2

303
International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics Special Issue

Fig2: deflection of dam in STAAD pro for case-2

Fig 3: Shear force (SX) for case-2

304
International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics Special Issue

Fig 4 SY local for case-2

Fig 5 maximum absolute shear force for case-2

305
International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics Special Issue

Fig 6 design of loads for case-3

Fig 7 deflection of dam in STAAD pro for case-3

306
International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics Special Issue

Fig 8 max absolute shear force for case-3

Fig 9 major principle stress for case-3

CONCLUSION:

307
International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics
The behavior of Gravity dam for
stability and response towards seismic forces are
studied in this paper. With problem
consideration, the stability analysis of gravity
dam is done in absence of seismic forces initially.
Thus analysis highlighted that in presence of
various loads like dead load, water/ hydrostatic
pressure, uplift pressure, total cumulative values
of positive moment and negative moment,
summation of horizontal and vertical forces are
overall responsible for dam stability. Further with
analysis it is clear that moment resulting due to
self-weight act as resistive moment against
moment produced due to water, uplift pressure
etc. This means that stability against overturning
is achieved when positive moment is greater than
negative moments. Whereas stability against
sliding depends upon coefficient of friction, sum
of all vertical forces and all horizontal forces.
Thus sliding is governed by uplift pressure.
However, if horizontal force increases stability
against sliding decreases if vertical forces remain
approximately same. Third stability of dam is on
basis of shear friction factor, this depends upon
coefficient of friction, summation of all vertical
forces, summation of all horizontal forces,
geometry of dam and materials shear strength.
For same problem material shear strength,
geometry friction remains unchanged, thus
stability should depend upon sum of all vertical
forces and all horizontal forces. For problem
considered in study, dam achieves stability
308
Special Issue
against all factors i.e. overturning, sliding &
shearing.
The factor of safety of overturning for load case
of fully fill of reservoir is 2.17 for the manual
calculations it is safe for the dam. The sliding
stability of the concrete gravity dam for fully fill
load case 1.76, which is greater than 1.5, which is
safe for sliding stability. The factor of safety of
overturning for load case of half fill of reservoir
is 4.23 for the manual calculations it is safe for
the dam. The sliding stability of the concrete
gravity dam for half fill 3.58, which is greater
than 1.5, which is safe for sliding stability.
Reference:
1 “Seismic and Stability Analysis of Gravity
Dams Using Staad PRO” by T Subramani,
D.Ponnuvel. in June 2012
2 “Stability Analysis of Concrete Gravity
Dam for Seismic Loading in Afghanistan”
by Mohammad Ejaz Shahir, Priyanka
Dhurvey in June 2017.
3 .”Stability Analysis of Gravity Dam by
Using STAAD Pro in Time History Method”
by S.Sree Sai Swetha in March 2017
4 “Seismic & Stability Analysis of Gravity
Dam” by Miss. Meghna S. Bhalodkar in
2014
5 “Analysis of Concrete Gravity Dam by 3D
Solid Element Modeling using STAAD Pro”
by Jay p. Patel, R. Chhaya in May 2015
6 “Design And Analysis Of Gravity Dam –A
Case Study Analysis Using Staad-Pro” by
mettu Rajesh Reddy, M.Nageswara rao in
2017
International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics Special Issue

7 “Finite Element Analysis of Concrete pressures in cracks by Farrokh Javanmardi,

Gravity Dam by Using STAAD-PRO” by Pierre Léger, René Tinawi in 2004
Rampure Aarti Baburao, Mangulkar
Madhuri in 2016

8 Structural Stability And 2D Finite Element

Analysis of Concrete Gravity Dam by
Khalid Dawlatzai, Dr. Manju Dominic

9 Stability analysis of concrete gravity dam on

complicated foundation with multiple slide
planes by Ren Xuhua, Shu Jiaqing, Ben
Nenghui, Ren Hongyun in 2008.

10 Seismic cracking analysis of concrete

gravity dams with initial cracks using the
extended finite element method by Sherong
Zhang, Gaohui Wang, Xiangrong Yu in
2013

11 “Comparison of Design and Analysis of

Concrete Gravity Dam”by Md. Hazrat Ali,
Md. Rabiul Alam in 2011

12 Shake table sliding response of a gravity

dam model including water uplift pressure
by Mathieu Rochon-Cyr, Pierre Léger in
2009

13 Shake table sliding response of a gravity

dam model including water uplift pressure
by Mathieu Rochon Cyr, Pierre Léger in
2013

14 Seismic fracture analysis of concrete gravity

dams including dam–reservoir interaction by
Yusuf Calayir, Muhammet Karaton in 2005

15 Seismic structural stability of concrete

gravity dams considering transient uplift

309
310