Vertical Contraction Joint Models for Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of Concrete Arch Dam

Arch dams are generally built in cantilvever monoliths. Vertical contraction joints between monoliths control the stresses due to concrete shrinkage and temperature variations. Past studies in earthquake safety evaluation of the system often show the tensile fracture and local nonlinear deformation of joints. In this paper, some nonlinear joint element constitutive models are presented to examine the tensile and shear fractures of joints. Reservoir hydrodynamic interaction and water compressibility are considered in the finite element analysis of the system. Some primary examples were calculated. Regarding the numerical results, efficiency of the proposed models is promising for safety evaluation of arch dams under static and dynamic loads