GRAVITY DAMS DESIGN

Atishay Jain 2021uce1539

Chaitanya Singh 2021uce1556
Rakshansh Jain 2021uce1547
INTRODUCTION

 A Gravity dam has been defined as a "structure which is designed in such

a way that its own weight resist the external forces". This type of a
structure is most durable and solid and requires very less maintenance.
 The section of the gravity dam is approximately triangular in shape, with
its apex at its top and maximum width at bottom.
 Such dams are constructed of masonry or Concrete.
FORCES ACTING ON GRAVITY
DAM
1) Water pressure
2) Uplift pressure
3) Silt pressure
4) Wave pressure
5) Ice pressure
1) WATER PRESSURE

 Major external force.

 Water pressure varies linearly with the depth of water.
 The pressure diagram is triangular in shape.
 When the u/s face is vertical, intensity is zero at water
surface & equal to ywH at base.
 Resultant force = area of the A = (1/2) YwH2 acts
at H/3 from base.
2) UPLIFT PRESSURE

 Second major external force.

 Water seeping through the pores, cracks & fissures in the foundation
& dam will exert uplift pressure on the base of the dam.
 Uplift forces virtually reduces the downward weight of the dam &
hence acts against the stability.
 By providing drainage galleries, the uplift can be relieved.
3) SILT PRESSURE
4) WAVE PRESSURE

 • Waves are generated on the surface due to the blowing

of wind.
 It causes a pressure towards the d/s side.
 Wave pressure depends on wave height.
 Wave height is given by.
 5) ICE PRESSURE

 • The ice may be formed on the water surface of the reservoir in cold
countries, may sometimes melt and expand.
 The dam face has to resist the thrust exerted by the expending ice.
 The magnitude of this force varies from 250 to 1500 kN/m² depending
upon the temperature variations
DESIGN PRINCIPLE OF GRAVITY DAMS

Self-Weight Stability:
The dam relies on its own weight to resist external forces,
primarily water pressure from the reservoir.
Foundation Stability:
 A stable foundation is crucial for the overall stability of the
dam.
Upstream and Downstream Face Design:
 The upstream face must be impermeable to prevent water seepage,
while the downstream face should resist erosion.

Load Distribution:
 Considerations: Employ proper structural analysis, including finite
element analysis, to understand stress and strain distribution throughout
the dam.
Geological and Geotechnical Analysis:
 Investigate soil properties, rock formations, and potential
sources of seepage to mitigate risks associated with foundation
instability.

Structural Analysis:
 Finite element analysis helps in understanding stress
distribution, deformations, and overall structural behavior.
 DESIGN OF GRAVITY DAMS

 The section of gravity dam should be chosen in such a way that it is the
most economical section and satisfies all the conditions and
requirements of stability.
 Hence, after the section of dam has been arrived at, the stability
analysis for the dam must be carried out.
 TO DECIDE WHETHER THE DAM IS LOW OR
HIGH-
 First of all, the height of the dam to be constructed, should be checked
so as to ensure whether it is a low gravity dam or a high gravity dam.
 If the ht. of the dam is less than that given by f/Yw(Sc+1) (where
f is the permissible compressive stress of the dam material and Sc
is the Sp. Gravity of the dam material) then the dam will be a low
gravity dam otherwise vice versa.
 LOW GRAVITY DAMS
 Low gravity dam is designed on the basis if of
elementary profile, where the resultant force passes
through the middle-third of its base. The principal stress
is given by σ= γH (S-C+1) Where, a principal stress,
y=unit weight, S=Specific Gravity and C=A constant.
 The principal stress varies with 'H' as all other terms are
constant. To avoid failure of the dam the value of 'o'
shouldn't exceed allowable working
stress(f). F = YH (S-C +1)
 HIGH GRAVITY DAMS

 The high gravity is a complicated structure, where the resultant force may
pass through a point outside the middle-third of the base.
 The section of the dam is modified by providing extra slope on the upstream
and downstream side.
 The condition for the high gravity dam arew (S +1)Where,
f=allowable working stress.
 STABILITY ANALYSIS

 1) OVERTURNING
 If the resultant of all the force acting on a dam at any of the section, passes
outside the toe, the dam shall rotate and overturn about the toe.
 F.O.S= Resisting moments/overturning moments.
 Its value generally varies between 2 to 3.
 2) SLIDING
 A dam may fail in sliding at its base.Sliding will occur when the net
horizontal force exceeds the frictional resistance developed at that level.
 3) COMPRESSION OR CRUSHING
 A dam may fail by the failure of its materials.The
compressive stress may exceed the allowable stress and the
dam material may get crushed.

 4) TENSION
 Masonry and concrete gravity dam are usually designed in
such a way that no tension is developed anywhere, because
the materials can not withstand sustained tensile stresses
Applications in Gravity Dam Design:
1.Structural Design:
1. Engineers can use AutoCAD to create detailed structural drawings of
the gravity dam, including cross-sections, elevations, and plans,
facilitating the visualization and communication of design intent.
2.Hydraulic Modeling:
1. While AutoCAD is not a specialized hydraulic modeling software, it
can be used in conjunction with other programs to incorporate
hydraulic elements into the dam design, such as spillways, outlets, and
intake structures.
3.Documentation and Reporting:
1. AutoCAD's drafting capabilities enable engineers to generate
comprehensive documentation, including construction drawings,
reports, and presentations, essential for conveying design
specifications and requirements to stakeholders.
STAAD.PRO: ANALYZING STABILITY AND SAFETY OF GRAVITY DAMS

 Introduction to STAAD.Pro:
 STAAD.Pro is a comprehensive structural analysis and design software developed by
Bentley Systems. It's widely used by civil engineers for analyzing and designing
various structures, including gravity dams.
 Features and Capabilities:
1. Finite Element Analysis (FEA):
1. STAAD.Pro employs FEA techniques to analyze the structural response of gravity
dams to various forces, including water pressure, seismic loads, and foundation
movements, providing accurate predictions of dam behavior.
1.Material Properties:
1. Engineers can input material properties such as
concrete compressive strength, density, and modulus of
elasticity into STAAD.Pro to simulate the behavior of
the dam's concrete components under different loading
scenarios.
2.Load Generation:
1. STAAD.Pro facilitates the generation of loads on the
gravity dam, including hydrostatic pressure from the
impounded water, self-weight of the dam, and external
loads such as wind and seismic forces.
3.Dynamic Analysis:
1. For seismic analysis, STAAD.Pro offers dynamic
analysis capabilities to evaluate the response of the
gravity dam to earthquake-induced vibrations, helping
engineers assess the dam's stability and seismic safety.
REAL LIFE EXAMPLE -

1. Itaipu Dam:
1. STAAD.Pro was used in the analysis and design of the Itaipu Dam, a monumental gravity dam
located on the Paraná River between Brazil and Paraguay. Engineers utilized STAAD.Pro to
perform sophisticated finite element analyses and ensure the structural integrity and stability of the
dam.
2. Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge:
1. In the design of the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, which spans the Colorado River downstream of
the Hoover Dam, STAAD.Pro was instrumental in analyzing the complex interaction between the
bridge structure and the adjacent gravity dam, ensuring the safety and stability of both structures.