Formulation of parameter limit values for the operation of a large concrete gravity dam

This study presents a coupled thermal-structural finite element analysis of a large concrete gravity dam in Bulgaria for exploring the dam response under different actual load combinations. The loads applied to the structure are caused by varying water level in the reservoir and ambient temperature typical for the respective seasons. The developed computational model was calibrated with real plumb measurements. Based on the performed analyses in the ANSYS environment, key limit values for the horizontal displacements measured by the plumbs in the dam as possibly caused by extreme combinations of ambient temperature and water level are formulated for further improvement of the dam operation.