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Integrated Stability and Structural Performance Evaluation of An RCC Gravity Dam Under Multi-Load Conditions
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Structural Analysis of RCC Gravity Dams
Abstract
Gravity dams are among the most reliable hydraulic structures due to their ability to resist external forces primarily through self-weight. This project presents a comprehensive structural and stability analysis of a Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) gravity dam considering critical loading conditions such as water pressure, uplift pressure, silt pressure, and seismic forces. Detailed site investigation data, hydrological parameters, and foundation characteristics were incorporated to ensure realistic design assumptions. Stability checks against sliding, overturning, and foundation overstress were performed using analytical methods in accordance with standard dam design guidelines. Additionally, structural modeling and verification were carried out using STAAD. Pro to validate manual calculations. The results demonstrate that the designed gravity dam satisfies all safety requirements with adequate factors of safety, confirming its structural integrity and suitability for long-term operation. The study highlights the importance of uplift pressure consideration and combined load effects in ensuring the overall safety and performance of gravity dams
Keywords
Gravity Dam, RCC Gravity Dam, Hydraulic Structures, Stability Analysis, Sliding Stability, Overturning Stability, Uplift Pressure, Seismic Forces, Hydrostatic Pressure, Silt Pressure, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), STAAD. Pro, Foundation Stress Analysis, Dam Safety, Structural Integrity, Hydrological Investigation.
References
[1] U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Design of Gravity Dams, U.S. Government Printing Office, 1976.
[2] U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Design of Small Dams, 3rd ed., U.S. Government Printing Office, 1987.
[3] U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gravity Dam Design Manual, EM 1110-2-2200, 1995.
[4] IS 6512:1984, Criteria for Design of Solid Gravity Dams, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.
[5] IS 1893 (Part 1):2016, Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures, Bureau of Indian Standards.
[6] IS 456:2000, Plain and Reinforced Concrete – Code of Practice, Bureau of Indian Standards.
[7] IS 11223:1985, Guidelines for Fixing Spillway Capacity, Bureau of Indian Standards.
[8] USBR, Engineering Monograph No. 19 – Concrete Manual, Denver, USA.
[9] R. W. H. King, Handbook of Hydraulics, McGraw Hill, 1963.
[10] R. K. Rajput, Strength of Materials, S. Chand Publications, 2006.
[11] S. K. Garg, Irrigation Engineering and Hydraulic Structures, Khanna Publishers, 2010.
[12] K. R. Arora, Irrigation, Water Power and Water Resources Engineering, Standard Publishers
How to cite this paper
@article{1715316,
author = {Dr. P. Rohit, M Shiva Shankar, M Chaitanya, T Sampath Reddy, B Bannu},
title = {Integrated Stability and Structural Performance Evaluation of An RCC Gravity Dam Under Multi-Load Conditions},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {9},
pages = {1417-1421},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1715316.pdf},
abstract = {Gravity dams are among the most reliable hydraulic structures due to their ability to resist external forces primarily through self-weight. This project presents a comprehensive structural and stability analysis of a Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) gravity dam considering critical loading conditions such as water pressure, uplift pressure, silt pressure, and seismic forces. Detailed site investigation data, hydrological parameters, and foundation characteristics were incorporated to ensure realistic design assumptions. Stability checks against sliding, overturning, and foundation overstress were performed using analytical methods in accordance with standard dam design guidelines. Additionally, structural modeling and verification were carried out using STAAD. Pro to validate manual calculations. The results demonstrate that the designed gravity dam satisfies all safety requirements with adequate factors of safety, confirming its structural integrity and suitability for long-term operation. The study highlights the importance of uplift pressure consideration and combined load effects in ensuring the overall safety and performance of gravity dams},
keywords = {Gravity Dam, RCC Gravity Dam, Hydraulic Structures, Stability Analysis, Sliding Stability, Overturning Stability, Uplift Pressure, Seismic Forces, Hydrostatic Pressure, Silt Pressure, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), STAAD. Pro, Foundation Stress Analysis, Dam Safety, Structural Integrity, Hydrological Investigation.},
month = {March},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I9-1715316}
}