Author(s)

C.A.B. Pina, C.P. Costa, J.V. Lemos & J.M.P. Gomes

Abstract

An experimental study of failure of a gravity dam on a jointed rock foundation C.A.B. Pina, C.P. Costa, J.V. Lemos, J.M.P. Gomes TVaczoW de ABSTRACT A physical model of a concrete gravity dam was used in an experimental study of failure through sliding on a surface defined by two planar discontinuities. The scale model of the dam and foundation was performed in a high density material. The dam was loaded by fluid pressure on the upstream face and upward forces simulating the uplift pressure. A discussion of the experimental results and a comparison with analytical and numerical calculations are presented. INTRODUCTION The evaluation of the safety of concrete gravity dams usually requires the consideration of a scenario of collapse through sliding on the foundation surface, or on discontinuities in the rock mass [1]. If shearing takes place on a single planar surface, the global safety factor can be determined by simple static

Keywords