R. A. Day

Finite element analysis of construction stability of Thika Dam

Abstract High pore water pressures were measured in the fill material of the Thika Dam embankment early in its construction. These caused concern about the subsequent short term stability. Therefore construction was stopped. Stability reassessment and drainage design was performed using finite element analyses before construction was allowed to continue. Different methods of modelling the pore water pressure allowed efficient analysis of various drainage options. The analyses highlighted zones of high shear stress and shear strain, and formation of failure surfaces. They established the necessary level of drainage required to ensure stability, control movement and reduce the risk of residual shear surfaces. Large toe movement was predicted immediately after construction recommences. ©

Micro-mechanical approximation to the stress field around an inclined fiber of FRCC

Abstract Matrix spalling or crushing is one of the important mechanisms of fiber-matrix interaction of fiber reinforced cementitious composites (FRCC). The fiber pullout mechanisms have been extensively studied for an aligned fiber but matrix failure is rarely investigated since it is thought not to be a major affect. However, for an inclined fiber, the matrix failure should not be neglected. Due to the complex process of matrix spalling, experimental investigation and analytical study of this mechanism are rarely found in literature. In this paper, it is assumed that the load transfer is concentrated within the short length of the inclined fiber from the exit point towards anchored end and follows the exponential law. The Mindlin formulation is employed to calculate the 3D stress field. The simulation gives much information about this field. The 3D approximation of the stress state around an inclined fiber helps to qualitatively understand the mechanism of matrix failure. Finally, a spalling criterion is proposed by which matrix spalling occurs only when the stress in a certain volume, rather than the stress at a small point, exceeds the material strength. This implies some local stress redistribution after first yield. The stress redistribution results in more energy input and higher load bearing capacity of the matrix. In accordance with this hypothesis, the evolution of matrix spalling is demonstrated. The accurate prediction of matrix spalling needs the careful determination of the parameters in this model. This is the work of further study.

Coupled pore pressure and stability analysis of embankment dam construction

ABSTRACT During construction of an embankment dam in Kenya, high pore pressures were measured. These caused concern about the subsequent short term stability particularly during the remaining construction period. Construction was stopped whilst stability reassessment and drainage design was performed using finite element analyses. Different methods of modelling the pore water pressure allowed efficient analysis of various drainage options. The analyses highlighted zones of high shear stress and shear strain, and formation of failure surfaces. They established the necessary level of drainage required to ensure stability, control movement and reduce the risk of residual shear surfaces. Large toe movement was predicted immediately after construction recommenced.