Numerical analysis the calcium leaching effect in concrete and concrete-rock interface on concrete gravity dam anti-sliding stability
Juan Yue, Zhenzhong Shen, Liqun Xu, Kailai Zhang
Abstract
Decomposition of concrete calcium compounds in the leaching process constantly changed the concrete gravity dam’s sliding and resisting forces, which endangered project safety. Nonetheless, the calcium leaching effect on dam sliding stability has not been studied previously, and the dam factor of safety(FOS) evolution remained unknown. This research numerically investigated the impact of calcium leaching on concrete gravity dam stability. A relation between bonded cohesion of concrete-rock interface and CaO/SiO2 ratio of CSH is presented to investigate the shear strength deterioration in the leaching process. The evolution of dam FOS, sliding and resisting forces in a hundred years is obtained. The results showed that the calcium leaching reduced dam stability. Parameter sensitivity analysis showed that the grout curtain hydraulic conductivity and rock foundation type significantly affect the dam FOS. We can improve dam stability in the leaching process by reducing the initial hydraulic conductivity of the grout curtain.