A Model for the Analysis of Concrete Dams Due to Environmental Thermal Effects

In this article, an analytical model is presented for the simulation of the thermal behavior of dams that are subjected to the environmental thermal action during service. The method of solution adopted as well as the evaluation of the different parameters is described in detail. Also, the theoretical results that are predicted by the model are compared with experimental results obtained through the monitoring of temperature in several dams in Spain. The dams considered are currently in use, of different types and in distinct locations. (*) Technical University of Catalonia School of Civil Engineering 2 (1) c/ Gran Capitán s/n. Módulo C1 08034 Barcelona. Spain 1.INTRODUCTION The concrete dam in service is permanently subjected to thermal action due to its environment. The character of the action, which is associated with the meteorological conditions and the conditions of the reservoir water, dictates the inclusion of all the specific aspects involved. The numerical model is based on an explicit finite difference scheme that proportions the temperature in the nodes of the mesh at any instant. This is a simple model which considers the presence of different variables that characterize the concrete, the geometry, the dam location and the thermal environment. 2.ADOPTED HYPOTHESES The differential equation for heat conduction in concrete dams during service is expressed by the relation: where: T : temperature t : time D : density c : specific heat k : thermal conductivity In the analysis the following assumptions have been made for the concrete medium: continuous, isotropic, homogeneous and permanence of the thermal properties. Also, it is supposed that the internal heat generation during the setting and hardening processes has ended, and in consequence, the relative term representing the heat generated for unit time and unit volume disappears.