Thermal and Structural Performance of RCC Dams under Derna Climatic Conditions: A Numerical Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37375/susj.v16i1.4152Keywords:
RCC Dam, Thermal effects, Stress analysisAbstract
The sequence of construction and the surrounding environmental conditions of Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) dams play a significant role in the temperature distribution and the variation of stress fields within the dam body. The Bu Mansur Dam, originally designed as a conventional rockfill embankment dam, was selected in this study to verify the adopted numerical procedure. In addition, the feasibility of RCC technology is investigated as an alternative construction method to reduce project costs and enhance overall competitiveness. This study takes into account several key parameters, including the adiabatic temperature rise, the sequence of concrete placement, potential construction interruptions, the existence of internal galleries, and variations in climatic conditions. A numerical model that accounts for aging effects and temperature-dependent material properties is employed to simulate the concrete behaviour. Structural integrity with respect to crack initiation over time is evaluated using a crack safety factor. The results indicate that, due to the high ambient temperatures, combined with intense solar radiation, the occurrence of through-cracks in the Bu Mansur Dam is unavoidable in the absence of proper thermal control measures.
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