A Simplified Continuum Damage Model for Nonlinear Seismic Analysis of Concrete Arch Dams Using Different Damping Algorithms

In this research, a nonlinear model is presented to explore the seismic response of concrete arch dams. This model is much more simplified and efficient in comparison with plastic-damage models. It can represent softening, hardening and stiffness degradation of concrete due to load reversal. Additionally, it is able to predict the final and residual strength of the structure in softening with good accuracy. Employing different scale factors to monitor the failure of the dam, this model is used to analyze the nonlinear response of Morrow Point arch dam. The dam-reservoir interaction is considered with modified Westergaard’s approach, and the dam body is modeled with second order 20-node isoparametric elements. Moreover, two different damping algorithms are included to evaluate their impact on nonlinear analysis. It is concluded that the employed model can predict realistic crack patterns through the dam body, and it can be a good replacement for other time consuming and complicated models. In addition, it is shown that the damping algorithm plays a significant role in the nonlinear dynamic analysis of concrete arch dams.