A discrete finite element analysis of coursed rubble masonry gravity dam

Dams are the most critical structures constructed to suppress the floods as well as to supply water for irrigation purposes and energy generating infrastructure. Safety of the dam plays a big role as its failure leads to huge socio-economic losses. Rubble masonry gravity dams are very common in the southern part of India especially in the state of Kerala. The discrete nature of rubble masonry makes the numerical modelling of the masonry structure a difficult one. The current manuscript explores a technique which captures the discrete nature of coursed rubble masonry using deformable blocks. For the study, a masonry dam situated at Malampuzha of Palakkad District in Kerala is considered. The non-overflow section of the dam is considered for numerical analysis. The dam foundation numerical model is constructed using RS2 software, where the joint networks between the blocks are explicitly modelled using the Barton-Bandis slip model to account for joint behaviour and surface roughness. To capture the discrete nature of the masonry structure, each rubble block is modelled using a discrete joint element and which is further discretised using finite elements. Plane strain conditions are assumed and a static analysis is performed. The proposed method could predict location of yielded masonry joints. The analysis shows that the dam is safe and intact for the material and joint properties, loading and boundary conditions considered.