Physical Modeling on Dynamic Responses of Gravity Dams by Underwater Explosion in a Centrifuge
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 35, Issue 4
Abstract
Gravity dams are important infrastructures, and their failure can affect public security. In this work, physical modeling was conducted to determine the dynamic responses and types of damage to gravity dams subjected to underwater explosions. Five tests under different impoundment levels, centrifugal accelerations, standoff distances, detonation depth, and equivalent weights were performed in a centrifuge. The mechanism of dynamic responses of the dam was analyzed. The peak strain and displacement by the shock wave and bubble pulse were both reached when the impulses of the dynamic loads were maximum. Different failure modes and degrees of damage were observed in the tests. When the explosive detonated in shallow water, a more substantial structural bending moment was generated by the shock wave to cause structural failure by bending. When the impoundment level was reduced, the dynamic responses were reduced due to the decrease in shock energy or impulse on the structure. However, new deformation or failure mode can be induced when the impoundment level is lower. Better understanding of the dynamic mechanism and proper control of the impoundment level would be helpful for dam protection.
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Data Availability Statement
All data generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 51879283 and 51339006).
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Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 35 • Issue 4 • August 2021
Copyright
© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 6, 2020
Accepted: Jan 25, 2021
Published online: Apr 28, 2021
Published in print: Aug 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Sep 28, 2021
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