Prediction of thermal stress in a concrete gravity dam

Temperature is one of the main factors affecting gravity concrete dams. The effects of many temperature factors on the gravity concrete dam cause additional deformations and tensile stress, as a result, thermal cracks appear. In order to determine the predictive model of temperature regime and thermal stress states in gravity concrete dams is a difficult problem. Because there are a large number of factors that influence temperature regime and thermal stress in the dam during construction and operation. This paper presents the results of numerical modeling of the temperature regime and thermal stress state of the Ban Lai roller-compacted concrete gravity dam (Lang Son province, Vietnam) 56 m high. The model was created using the Midas software package and can evaluate the work of the structure under the influence of temperature during construction and operation phases. The results obtained were taken into account when designing the structure and can make appropriate recommendations.