Computation of Optimal Cross Section of Gravity Dams Using Genetic Algorithms | Chapter 1 | Current Overview on Science and Technology Research Vol. 6

 The construction of gravity dams uses an interactive method involving preliminary layout of the structure followed by stability and stress studies. In this study, we present a method to define the optimal cross-sectional area of ​​weight dams determined using genetic algorithms. To solve the optimization task (minimization of dumb costs), an optimization routine based on genetic algorithms (GA) was implemented in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. It proved adequate and the GA parameters were optimized in a parametric study. Using the parameters found in the parametric study, we determined the top width of the heavy wall and compared it with the slope-based optimization method (traditional method). The agreement between the two approaches was excellent. For the optimal dam cross-section, the ratio of dam base to dam height is ~0.85 and the ratio of dam crest width to dam height is ~0.13. This computational approach allows the calculation of the optimal top width for a wide range of gravity dam heights.

Author(s) Details:

Farzin Salmasi,
Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

John Abraham,
University of St. Thomas, Minnesota, School of Engineering 2115 Summit Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota 55105, USA.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/COSTR-V6/article/view/8411

Drainage Gallery in Concrete Gravity Dams and Its Effect on Reduction of Uplift Forces | Chapter 04 | Novel Perspectives of Engineering Research Vol. 10

 Engineers consider stability controls such resistance to sliding and overturning when developing gravity dams. Allowable vertical strains at the dam's heel and toe are other important characteristics. The width and height of the dam are two crucial design characteristics to consider. Dam stability can also be improved by adding features like a drainage gallery. The location of the drainage gallery and its impact on dam stability are explored in this study. The relative uplift force (Up/W) in the Outardes-3 Dam without a drainage gallery has a constant value of 0.413, according to the results (where Up is the uplift force and W is the weight of the gravity dam). The favourable effect of drainage galleries is seen by the reduction of Up/W to 0.14 for installations with a drainage gallery at the dam heel. A vertical tensile stress occurs in the dam's upstream heel when b/B>0.32. As a result, this is not advised (B is the dam width and b is the distance of the drainage gallery from the dam heel). It is proposed that a value of 0.75B/H1.0 be used (H is the dam height). Without a drainage gallery, the safety factor against overturning is close to its maximum values in this case, which improves the dam's safety. With a B/H greater than 0.7, the vertical tension in the dam's upstream heel is compressive, and no tensile stress is generated.

Author(S) Details

Farzin Salmasi
Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

John Abraham
University of St. Thomas, Minnesota, School of Engineering 2115 Summit Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota 55105, USA.

View Book:- https://stm.bookpi.org/NPER-V10/article/view/6502

Study on the Effect of Inclination of Cutoff Wall Beneath Gravity Dams on Uplift Force | Chapter 04 | Novel Perspectives of Engineering Research Vol. 1

 Cutoff walls and drainage holes are a strategy for preventing piping or lowering the exit hydraulic pressure gradient or ground-water seepage. Cutoff walls in gravity dams are typically composed of concrete with a vertical geometry beneath the dam foundation. Engineers may choose an inclination of cutoff walls if it has a good influence on reducing uplift force. The goal of this work is to use the finite element method to explore the effectiveness of inclined cutoff walls under hydraulic structures, taking into account the influence of depth, location, and inclination angles of the cutoff wall (FEM). The efficiency of inclined cutoff walls positioned beneath a gravity dam is compared in this study. The cutoffs are oriented downstream and have angles ranging from 0 to 60 degrees in relation to the vertical direction. Cutoff walls with varied angles of inclination are employed in various places. The cutoff wall is at the heel (upstream) of the dam, resulting in the least amount of uplift force. Inclined walls with a set longitudinal cutoff wall placement lessen uplift force. An angled cutoff wall upstream of the dam has a significant influence on minimising uplift force. Although the inclined cutoff wall was able to lower the uplift force in the numerical simulation, it is crucial to highlight that building an inclined cutoff wall is more challenging than building a vertical cutoff wall. As a result, further research into inclined cutoff wall construction and application is required in future studies. An significant concern is estimating the project's construction expenses.

Author(S) Details

Farzin Salmasi
Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

John Abraham
University of St. Thomas, Minnesota, School of Engineering 2115 Summit Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota 55105, USA.

View Book:- https://stm.bookpi.org/NPER-V1/article/view/4361