Transverse joint aperture is of certain reference value to ensure joint grouting quality and overall safety of high arch dam. A 3D isoparametric joint element model with spherical surface key grooves and finite thickness is used to simulate a transverse joint. A set of program is developed to simulate the transverse joint aperture of Dagangshan high arch dam. Combined with the measured temperatures, the whole developing process of Dagangshan arch dam’s transverse joint aperture is simulated. The real work behavior of transverse joint, thermal and mechanical properties of concrete, pouring process, joint grouting temperature and cantilever height of high arch dam are considered during the simulation. The simulation results show that the lower of the joint grouting temperature, the larger value of transverse joint aperture; the higher of cantilever height during the construction period, the smaller value of transverse joint aperture.
Transverse joint aperture is of certain reference value to ensure joint grouting quality and overall safety of high arch dam. A 3D isoparametric joint element model with spherical surface key grooves and finite thickness is used to simulate a transverse joint. A set of program is developed to simulate the transverse joint ap- erture of Dagangshan high arch dam. Combined with the measured temperatures, the whole developing process of Dagangshan arch dam's transverse joint aperture is simulated. The real work behav- ior of transverse joint, thermal and mechanical properties of con- crete, pouring process, joint grouting temperature and cantilever height of high arch dam are considered during the simulation. The simulation results show that the lower of the joint grouting tem- perature, the larger value of transverse joint aperture; the higher of cantilever height during the construction period, the smaller value of transverse joint aperture.