Publications

o obtain predictions closer to concrete behaviour, it is necessary to employ a particle model(PM) that considers contact softening. A bilinear softening contact model (BL) has been adoptedin PM studies. Several limitations in PM predictions have been identified that may be due to BLassumptions. For this reason, this paper compares BL predictions with those obtained with morecomplex models to assess if PM predictions can be improved. As shown, it is possible to calibrateeach contact model to reproduce the complex behaviour observed in concrete in uniaxial and biaxialloading. The predicted responses are similar, and the known PM limitations still occur independentlyof the adopted model. Under biaxial loading, it is shown that a response closer to that observed inconcrete can be obtained (higher normal-to-stiffness ratio of

A three-dimensional particle model, based on the asphalt mastic micro-structure representation following a discrete element model framework, was developed to investigate the influence of sunflower oil (rejuvenator) on the rheological properties of asphalt mastic. Dynamic shear rheometer tests in laboratory, for a frequency range of 0.1

The out-of-plane flexural bending capacity of masonry is a fundamental property for understanding the behavior of masonry structures. This study investigates the behavior of unreinforced masonry wallettes subjected to combined compression-flexural loading using the discrete element method (DEM), and provides a novel framework to estimate the masonry strength. A simplified micro-modeling strategy is utilized to analyze a masonry wallette, including the variation of the mechanical properties in masonry units and joints. Stochastic DEM analyses are performed to simulate brickwork assemblages, assuming a strong unit-weak joint material model typical of most masonry buildings, including historical ones. Once the proposed computational approach is validated against the experimental findings, the effect of spatial and non-spatial variation of mechanical properties is explored. Two failure types are identified: joint failure and brick failure. For each failure mechanism, the variability of the response and the effects of the modeling parameters on the load-carrying capacity is quantified. Afterward, Lasso regression is employed to determine predictive equations in terms of the material properties and vertical pressure on the wallette. The results show that the most important parameters changing the response are the joint tensile strength and the amount of vertical stress for joint failure, whereas the unit tensile strength dominates the response for brick failure. Overall, this research proposes a novel framework adopting validated advanced computational models that feed on simple test results to generate data that is further utilized for training response prediction models for complex structures.

Discrete element models are being increasingly applied to model rock failure processes.Bonded-particle models, based on circular or spherical particle systems, have been successfully usedfor two decades. More recently, bonded-block models, using polygonal or polyhedral elements, have proven to be a powerful alternative. This paper describes the basis of the application of these models in the numerical simulation of failure in rock materials. The critical governing parameters are identified, and their influence is discussed. The model calibration procedure based on the analysis of laboratory tests is discussed. An application example of an underground excavation problem is presented using a simple bonded-block model employing rigid blocks and a bilinear softening contact model. The results show the capability of this approach to reproduce observed failure modes involving block fractures.

Masonry arches are a fundamental component of historical structures. The assessment of the vulnerability ofthese heritage constructions to seismic loading requires reliable and efficient numerical models. Discrete element models are an alternative to finite element models, being particularly effective in modelling collapse mechanisms created by shearing and separation of the units along the joints. Discrete element codes typically rely on explicit methods of integration of the equations of motion for dynamic analysis, which may require large run times when the recommended stiffness-proportional component of Rayleigh damping is applied. A novel approach is proposed using an alternative damping model, Maxwell damping, which involves placing multiple spring-dashpot elements in the joints, in parallel with the standard stiffness springs. This damping model is tested in the dynamic analysis of masonry arches, under pulse and earthquake loading. The results obtained in this early investigation show a good performance in the simulation of collapse under dynamic loads, in general agreement with the analyses conducted with classical stiffness-proportional damping, but reducing significantly the computational effort.

Rigid particle models based on the discrete element method (DEM) have been adopted to model creep, fracture, and the viscoelastic behaviour of asphalt mixtures considering an irregular micro-structure and particle contacts. Within a DEM framework, the Burgers contact model, which is known to have a narrow frequency and temperature range, is usually adopted to model viscoelastic properties. In this study, a new explicit three-dimensional generalised Kelvin (GK) contact model formulation for the DEM model is proposed for asphalt materials. The model is implemented following two different methodologies (GK and GK). The models are validated in uniaxial tension-compression sinusoidal tests for predicting the dynamic modulus () and phase angle (

Encapsulated rejuvenators embedded in asphalt mixtures are a promising technology toextend the service life of asphalt pavements. However, their effects on the asphalt mixture

The structural rehabilitation of historic/traditional rubble masonry wall constructionsrequires consolidation and retrofitting solutions to be employed in order to withstand dynamic loads,high vertical loads, and differential settlements. One of these strengthening techniques is basedon the use of steel bar connectors perpendicular to the wall, considered individually or integratedinto more complex strengthening techniques. The aim of this study is to evaluate numerically thestrengthening effect of transverse steel connectors on rubble masonry walls. With this purpose, a 2Dparticle-reinforced model (2D-PMR) was devised and applied to model uniaxial compression tests.The results presented show that predictions calculated using the proposed 2D-PMR model are veryclose to known experimental results, particularly in the corresponding failure modes, the increase ofthe maximum uniaxial compression value, and ductility. Parametric studies are also conducted byvarying the diameter of the steel bars and the level of strengthening to assess the influence of thebar-bond effect and lateral plates. The presented parametric numerical studies show that (i) a two-level strengthening solution guarantees a similar response to the three-level strengthening solutionadopted in the experiments; (ii) it is not relevant to apply a grout injection during the applicationprocess of the steel connectors if lateral plates are adopted; and (iii) the 2D-PMR model can be usedin the definition of the steel bar diameter and properties; as shown, a smaller (8 mm) bar diameterpredicts a similar strengthening effect to the (12 mm) bar size adopted in the experiments. Given theperformance of the proposed 2D-PMR model, further work is underway that will allow the 2D-PMRmodel to numerically assess other reinforcement techniques, namely, reinforced micro-concrete layersand textile reinforced mortar.

This study highlights the continued need for numerical simulation methods to predict the earthquakeresponse and damage of masonry mosques, despite recent advances in research. TheKamanl

Circular/spherical rigid particle models that were initially applied to rock fracture studieswere not able to match the ratio of the compressive strength to tensile strength that occurs in rock.In addition, the predicted macroscopic friction angle was much lower than the known hard rockexperimental values. Several enhancements have been proposed to address these issues, namelythe use of a clumped particle logic or the adoption of polygonal/polyhedral grain structures, eitherrigid or flexible. In this work, a flexible 2D DEM based particle model (PM) that allows deformableparticles to interact in a simplified way is presented. The proposed flexible PM model keeps thecontact interaction simplicity and the reduced computational costs characteristic of circular rigidparticle models. The PM model is tested using biaxial tests and Brazilian tests. A discussion re-garding the influence of the grain deformability on the macroscopic elastic and strength response ispresented. It is shown that, when compared with a rigid model, the proposed flexible PM modelpredicts more reasonable indirect tensile strength to direct tensile strength ratio and requires asmaller value of contact fracture energy to give a good agreement with known experimental data.It is also shown that the proposed flexible PM model can predict a behaviour similar to that ob-tained using a flexible PM model through inner particle discretization that is more computationallydemanding.

Nesta comunicação apresenta-se a modelação de paredes de alvenaria de pedra tradicionalrecorrendo a um modelo de partículas (MP) 2D, baseado no método dos elementos discretos, quetem sido adotado na modelação da fratura em materiais quase-frágeis. Nesta abordagem numérica,os elementos constituintes da estrutura de alvenaria, pedras e a argamassa, são entendidos comosendo formados por um esqueleto de agregados de várias dimensões em contacto direto, comligações do tipo coesivo, que permitem ao esqueleto de agregados suportar forças de tração. Odesenvolvimento dos modelos numéricos apresentados teve por base os modelos experimentaisdesenvolvidos e ensaiados pelo segundo autor [1].Após uma descrição sucinta do modelo numérico, apresenta-se os ensaios experimentais adotadoscomo referência dos estudos numéricos realizados. Descreve-se a metodologia de geração dosmodelos numéricos representativos da estrutura de alvenaria de pedra e apresenta-se o processo decalibração das propriedades dos contactos pedra-pedra e argamassa-argamassa, de modo a se obteruma resposta elástica e resistente próxima da pedra e da argamassa, alcançada nos ensaiosexperimentais.Em seguida são simulados ensaios de compressão simples com base nos parâmetros de contactodefinidos no processo de calibração. Dos ensaios numéricos, verifica-se que, com base nosparâmetros calibrados, os valores de rigidez e de resistência máxima obtida numericamente são daordem de grandeza dos valores obtidos experimentalmente. Os estudos apresentados demonstramque, após calibração dos parâmetros de contacto, os modelos MP permitem representar, com baseem modelos de interação simples, o processo de formação e propagação de fendas em paredes dealvenaria de pedra tradicional, a rigidez, a ductilidade e o valor da carga máxima.

têm sido adotados no estudo da fratura e propriedades viscoelásticas do mastique e dasmisturas betuminosas a partir da representação de uma microestrutura irregular e doscontactos partícula-partícula. Nesse sentido, este trabalho apresenta um modelo departículas tridimensional baseado nos diagramas de Laguerre-Voronoi da estruturagranular para o estudo da viscoelasticidade dos mastiques betuminosos. Dos modelosde contacto existentes, o modelo de Burger é o mais utilizado na análise dos materiaisbetuminosos. Contudo, este modelo apresenta limitações na previsão de propriedadesdinâmicas numa ampla variedade de frequências. Para isso, um modelo de contacto dotipo generalizado de Kelvin (GK) foi desenvolvido para a representação dos contactosviscoelásticos. Este modelo, composto por uma parcela elástica, uma parcelaviscoelástica e uma parcela visco-plástica, é baseado numa formulação incremental, emque o incremento de deslocamento resulta num incremento de força. A conversão daspropriedades macroscópicas, obtidas a partir do ajuste de resultados experimentais emmastiques, em parâmetros de contacto e a respetiva calibração são apresentados. Osmastiques foram submetidos a ensaios cíclicos com carregamento sinusoidal paravalidar o modelo em diferentes temperaturas e frequências. Verificou-se que ocomportamento reológico obtido com o modelo de contacto foi bem previsto. Por fim, osresultados reológicos obtidos com o modelo GK e o modelo de Burger foramcomparados. Como esperado, o modelo de contacto GK apresentou uma melhorresposta quando comparado aos resultados obtidos experimentalmente. Estudos docomportamento dinâmico em misturas betuminosas estão em andamento.

Modelos híbridos de separação de efeitos do tipo HSCT-FE para estudo do comportamento de barragens abóbada

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Use of SSHM data for dynamic behaviour analysis and damage detection on large dams. The cases of Cabril dam and Cahora Bassa dam

Nesta comunicação é apresentado um modelo de partículas 3D (MP), baseado nométodo dos elementos discretos, que inclui de forma aproximada a deformabilidade dapartícula e a geometria poliédrica. Neste modelo MP, o interior de cada partícula édiscretizado com uma malha de elementos finitos do tipo tetraédrico. Por razõescomputacionais procurou-se manter o modelo de contacto o mais simples possível,deste modo as partículas poliédricas são aproximadas por partículas esféricas, queinteragem entre si com base num modelo de contacto múltiplo em que a superfície decontacto é definida com base na faceta comum aos diagramas de Laguerre-Voronoique representam as partículas em contacto. Apresentam-se os resultados numéricosobtidos em ensaios triaxiais em rocha com o modelo de partículas flexivel (VGM3D-F)e comparam-se com os obtidos com um modelo de partículas rígidos. O estudoapresentado permite concluir que a inclusão da deformabilidade da partícula aumentao desempenho dos modelos do tipo MP.

As barragens de Ferradosa e Olgas, localizadas no Alto Douro, nos concelhos de Freixo de Espada à Cinta e Moncorvo, respetivamente, foram construídas entre 2007 e 2009. São estruturas gravidade de betão com cerca de 30 m de altura. A água das respetivas albufeiras destina-se ao abastecimento público, sendo exploradas pela empresa Águas do Norte, do grupo Águas de Portugal, com o apoio do LNEC nos aspetos relacionados com a segurança estrutural.Na comunicação apresentam-se os aspetos relevantes da análise e interpretação do comportamento observado das barragens durante o primeiro enchimento da albufeira e os primeiros 10 anos de exploração.Na análise estrutural consideraram-se modelos planos de elementos finitos das barragens e respetivas fundações, o comportamento viscoelástico dos materiais, a variação das ações da água e as variações térmicas no betão das obras.Os resultados numéricos são comparados com os resultados da observação contínua das obras, apresentando uma boa concordância.

Concrete gravity dams are mass concrete structures which resist to external loads mainly by their dead weight. The geometrical solution currently considered, which evolved from the reasoned application of mathematical theory to structural engineering, are characterized by right-angled triangular profiles with downstream face slopes of 0.7 to 0.8. In medium to high seismic intensity zones, such as Portugal, other constructive dispositions may be necessary. Under seismic loadings, it is generally accepted that the gravity profile keyed into the foundation at a depth corresponding to 10% of the dam height is a crucial contribution to ensure structural stability conditions. However, this detail is often not considered in stability analyses, which is generally understood as a conservative strategy. In this work, the benefits from considering the keyed depth in stability analyses are evaluated. For that, 100-meter-high hypothetical gravity profiles, keyed at a depth of 10 meters, are considered. To allow the development of rigid-body failure mechanisms, a downstream rock wedge, inclined at a critical angle, is assumed. At first, the analytical expressions that describe the failure mechanisms identified, considering the dam-foundation interface as a dominant failure surface, are deduced and validated through numerical modelling. Afterwards, the frictional properties of the interface, for several loading conditions which result in different total net forces and the corresponding application points, are computed. Lastly, the stability benefit is evaluated by comparing the safety factor obtained with the correspondent of an unkeyed profile. When explicitly considering the keyed depth in stability analyses, higher safety levels are obtained which can be crucial to ensure stability conditions. It was proved that, under the same load conditions, the consideration of unkeyed profiles would demand higher values of the friction angle, up to 12º more than considering the correspondent keyed profile. Moreover, this also ensures stability conditions for more inclined resultant net forces.

The Foz Tua hydroelectric development is located in the north of Portugal at the mouth of the Tua river, a tributary of the Douro river, and is equipped with 270 MW of power capacity, making it a very important asset in the country

The continuous displacement monitoring is essential for the safety control of large dams. It shouldbe based on the comparison between numerical model results and monitoring data, e.g. observeddisplacements using plumb lines, geodetic methods or, more recently, with GNSS (GlobalNavigation Satellite System). For Cabril dam, the case study presented in this paper, no plumblines were installed in the central section. Thus, the displacement monitoring in this section iscarried out by classical geodetic methods that do not allow continuous monitoring (only twoobservation campaigns per year). So, in this case, the use of GNSS was considered particularlyuseful, as it allows continuous monitoring of displacements at the top of the central section. AsCabril dam presents cracking problems since the first filling, it is important to continuously monitorseveral notable points, which includes the point at the top of the central section. The present workfocuses on the validation of the displacements obtained by GNSS, at Cabril dam, using a 3D finiteelement model, developed in MATLAB, in which the horizontal cracking at the upper zone issimulated through joint elements. The 3DFE model was calibrated based on the displacementsobserved by plumb lines (in two non-central sections) and by classical geodetic methods,considering variations in hydrostatic pressure and annual temperature variations. Thedisplacement evolution observed by plumb lines and geodetic methods were analyzed usingHSCT (Hydrostatic, Seasonal, Creep and other Time effects) separation of effects models, tofacilitate the comparison process between the observed displacements and the numerical results.In this way, the 3DFE model was firstly calibrated using plumb lines results and then it was usedto validate GNSS measurements.

Masonry is a combination of units such as stones, bricks or blocks usually laid in a cementitious or limemortar. It is probably the oldest material used in construction and has proven to be both simple to buildand durable. Over the years, existing masonry constructions have inevitably suffered damage with time.Earthquakes, soil settlements, material degradation and lack of maintenance are the main reasons forthat. Careful and periodic assessment of such structures is necessary in order to evaluate their structuralcapacity and safety levels. However, performing the structural analysis of masonry construction is notan easy task. A review is presented of the main models based on the discrete element method and the available related numerical techniques that have been proposed for the analysis of masonry. The essential assumptions adopted by these models and numerical implementation issues are discussed. Differences between available models are illustrated by applications to various masonry problems including static and dynamic analysis of masonry arch bridges, walls, vaults, domes and ancient colonnades.This book is composed of 17 chapters authored/co-authored by 25 outstanding researchers from 11countries (Canada, France, Greece, Hungary, Iran,Italy, Mexico, Norway, Portugal, UK, USA), whichwere reviewed by 60 referees.

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This chapter consists of two parts. First a general overview is given: the exact definition of the Discrete Element Method is provided, and the main types of existing models are introduced; then the theoretical fundaments of the most important approaches available today for masonry analysis are given. The second part of the chapter focuses on 3DEC, the most widespread commercial DEM code for masonry analysis. This second part begins with a theoretical overview. Application issues for masonry structures are then considered (block material behaviour, contact representation, structural elements like cables or bars etc.). Among the practical examples arches, barrel vaults, walls, coloumns and complete structures (like houses) are presented, including the issues of quasi-static versus dynamic analysis and of block fracture as well. The readers can find helpful advice on how to simulate their own problems most effectively.

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Discrete element models have become a major tool for masonry analysis, allowing a suitable representation of its discontinuous nature and marked nonlinear behaviour. The chapter reviews the fundamental assumptions of the main DEM formulations available. It focuses more specifically on the widely used UDEC and 3DEC codes, explaining their relation with the other approaches, and the most relevant issues arising in their application to masonry. Applications to the main types of structures are reviewed, considering both static and dynamic analyses. Recent research providing comparisons of the numerical models with experimental and field data is particularly covered. The discussion of the different examples is aimed at clarifying the key capabilities of DEM and demonstrating the most effective ways of using it in a variety of masonry analysis situations.

This chapter is focused on the Portuguese experience on the developmentand exploration of systems for continuously monitoring dam vibrations, usingaccelerometers. The pioneer system for seismic and structural health monitoring(SSHM) installed in Cabril dam (the highest Portuguese arch dam: 132 m high) isdescribed in detail. The design of this system was the result of a long-term LNECresearch program, still ongoing. These monitoring systems should include softwaredeveloped to automatically perform the analysis of collected data, including theautomatic comparison with numerical results from 3DFE models. In view of thegood results obtained with the system in operation in Cabril dam since 2008, similarsystems have been installed in other large dams in Portugal, particularly in recentlybuilt dams. Finally, Baixo Sabor dam is presented as an example of a new Portuguesedam with a complete SSHM system, in operation since 2015. Themain experimentalresults obtained for both dams are shown, namely the evolution of natural frequenciesover time, mode shapes and the measured seismic response to earthquake events.

Para verificação do cumprimento das exigências de segurança das barragens,tanto relativamente à funcionalidade (cenários correntes), como em relação àsegurança ao colapso (cenários de rotura), é essencial utilizar modelos de simulação oude interpretação (no caso de obras existentes) do seu comportamento. Estes modelossão idealizações (simplificações) da realidade, tanto no que diz respeito às acções(modelos das acções), como no que respeita à componente estrutural (modelos estruturais).A solução destes modelos, através de adequados métodos de análise, quantificaparâmetros da resposta das estruturas que permitem avaliar a sua segurança, utilizandocritérios de segurança previamente definidos.A validação destes modelos pode ser feita, no caso de cenários correntes,através da sua comparação com os resultados da observação do comportamento debarragens. No caso de cenários de rotura, não existe muita experiência de comparaçãodestes resultados com situações reais: é pequeno o número de acidentes ocorrido e,mesmo nestes, o volume de informação é reduzido. Desta forma, o recurso a métodosexperimentais, para o estudo de cenários de rotura, tem uma importância acrescida.Assim o principal objectivo deste trabalho é contribuir para melhorar a capacidade deavaliação da segurança de barragens de betão envolvendo cenários de rotura pela fundação.Neste trabalho desenvolveram-se dois ensaios experimentais em modelosfísicos: um primeiro envolvendo uma barragem abóbada, para o estudo de cenários derotura da fundação para acções estáticas; e um segundo de uma barragem gravidadeensaiado em mesa sísmica, com vista a estudar a rotura pela fundação para acçõesdinâmicas.A previsão e interpretação dos ensaios foram efectuadas com modelosmatemáticos adequados, que permitiram a sua validação e posterior utilização no estudode outros cenários.

Neste trabalho apresenta-se o sistema para monitorização em contínuo do comportamento dinâmico da barragem do Cabril que foi instalado em 2008, pelo LNEC e pela EDP, referindo alguns dos principais resultados que têm sido obtidos a partir da análise dos dados recolhidos, quer sob excitação ambiente/operacional, quer sob ações sísmicas. Salienta-se a importância do desenvolvimento do software para tratamento, análise e gestão automática dos dados e apresentam-se os programas que têm vindo a ser desenvolvidos no LNEC, em MATLAB, para apoio a este tipo de sistemas, nomeadamente programas de identificação modal (Modal_ID2.0 e Modal_ID_Auto2.0) e programas de elementos finitos tridimensionais para análise do comportamento dinâmico de sistemas barragem-fundação-albufeira (DamDySSA2.0).

This document presents the research plan for the doctoral thesis of LNEC's Junior Research Fellow Margarida Espada. This work, to be submitted to the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), will be developed in the Modelling and Rock Mechanics Unit of the Concrete Dams Department, and it is part of the on-going P2I research project DEMRock6m. This work aims at developing more efficient methodologies to perform safety studies and seismic analysis of rock engineering structures, based on discrete element models and in the integrated use of probabilistic models for the geometric and shear strength parameters and for the water pressures in rock discontinuities. This will allow a more realistic definition of the rock mass in discrete element models and an adequate identification of the potential failure mechanisms.

Neste relatório é apresentado o método de Euler para calcular as órbitas do sistema n-corpos,por exemplo, o dos planetas do sistema Solar, tendo em conta a propagação das forçasgravíticas entre o Sol e os planetas e entre os planetas entre si. Apenas requer como dadosiniciais uma observação anterior das órbitas em termos de posição e velocidade. A correcçãoda interacção entre planetas não é suavizada, o que se justifica pelos seus valores. A correcçãorelativista é importante.

As equações de Navier-Stokes são equações de derivadas parciais. As incógnitas nocaso de incompressibilidade consistem no campo de velocidades. As pressões numa 1ªaproximação resultam de um equilíbrio estático.A principal causa de problemas relacionados com a solução destas equações é devida àparcela das acelerações convectivas que está na origem da turbulência.Pesando estas equações e integrando duas vezes por partes obtém-se uma forma fracadestas equações.Em problemas 3D as variáveis independentes são 3 espaciais e 1 temporal. Admite-seque o campo de velocidades pode ser desenvolvido em série de distribuições de Delta deDirac espaciais e suas derivadas com coeficientes funções do tempo. Com funções deteste polinomiais obtém-se a formulação distribucional proposta das equações deNavier-Stokes.

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O objectivo deste relatório é o estudo da matemática aplicada à solução de problemasfísicos de propagação de ondas esféricas com operador espacial biharmónico,consideradas quânticas.As técnicas matemáticas usadas incluem a transformada de Laplace da função de ondaf e o cálculo de sua inversa tal como sugerida por Pipes e Harvill.O método matemático usado para descrever as ondas esféricas quânticas é compequenas adaptações o método causal não-linear descrito por Croca.

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A análise do comportamento de barragens de betão com base em modelos de elementos finitos tridimensionais exige a definição da discretização a adoptar para o conjunto barragem-fundação, ou barragem-fundação-albufeira. A realização desta tarefa sem o recurso a programas de geração automática é muito dispendiosa pelo que tem vindo a ser desenvolvido no NMMF um módulo computacional para geração automática de malhas de elementos finitos tridimensionais especialmente adaptado para a geração de malhas tridimensionais de barragens abóbada. Inicialmente desenvolvido em FORTRAN, o referido módulo computacional para geração de malhas de elementos finitos tridimensionais tem vindo a ser objecto de diversos melhoramentos, os mais recentes centrados ao nível da interface com o utilizador. Assim, apresenta-se neste relatório o módulo computacional

This document presents a back analysis procedure for identification of the elastic parameters of transversely isotropic rock cores, containing an overcoring triaxial strain probe, from the strains measured during a biaxial test. A three-dimensional finite element model was developed to simulate the biaxial test on the overcored rock specimen and to compute the strains at the location of the strain gauges. Different optimisation algorithms were tested and the most suitable one was selected. The back analysis procedure was tested for identification of the five elastic parameters and the two orientation angles that characterise a transversely isotropic rock core. In spite that, with the developed methodology, convergence was reached and all those parameters could be identified, sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the results obtained were not stable and therefore they were not reliable. By introducing constrains based on common practice and previous experience, a stable and robust methodology was achieved: the three elastic parameters, E1, E2 and ?2, are reliably identified using the value of G2 calculated with Saint-Venant’s expression and a fixed value of ?1, while the orientation parameters are obtained from observation of overcored rock. Analysis of the results shows that application of this methodology represents an enormous step forward when compared with the traditional use of isotropy. Besides, the methodology is general and can also be used with other types of overcoring equipment. The five elastic parameters and the two orientation angles obtained can then be used, together with the overcoring strains, to compute the complete in situ state of stress.

This document presents the work developed by the PhD student Margarida Espada in the scope of the course unit Risk Analysis in Geotechnical Works of the Doctoral Program in Civil Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP). This work presents a reliability analysis, using the response surface method (RSM), for the case study of the left bank excavation slopes of the Baihetan arch dam foundation, which is one of the case studies of Margarida Espada's PhD thesis. The aim was to approximate an implicit limit state function by computing safety factors, using a discrete element model of the Baihetan left bank developed in 3DEC software, where the shear strength parameters of two important rock discontinuities were considered as random variables. The probability of failure was then obtained through an iterative process, using approximation methods. This work presents the 3DEC model developed to analyse the stability conditions in the Baihetan left bank and the results of the reliability analysis.

O problema da solução das equações de Navier Stokes é abordado neste trabalhopropondo-se uma técnica de representação das incógnitas deslocamentos e pressõesvariáveis no espaço e no tempo em série de Delta de Dirac e suas derivadas no tempocujos coeficientes se determinam com base na solução de sistemas de equaçõesdiferenciais definidos no espaço (problema com três variáveis espaciais independentesque pode ser estudado pelo método de Monge).

Neste relatório apresentam-se as equações básicas da elastodinâmica linear, as soluçõesfundamentais e o teorema da representação no domínio de tempo e de frequência.Para movimentos finitos de casca formula-se o teorema dos trabalhos virtuais e a suaimplementação pelo método dos elementos finitos.

Neste relatório apresentam-se os principais aspectos da modelação sísmica de barragensabóbada. Assim propõe-se: modelos numéricos de geração de sismos por uma falha; aforma como o sismo actua na barragem; modelos para estudar a influência da albufeirana vibração do conjunto; métodos para solução das equações do movimento; e novasformulações de elementos finitos para o problema estrutural.

In pressure tunnels and shafts, in addition to the mechanical effect that excavation has on the rock mass and the disturbance that it introduces in the water flow, also the contained water can interact from the mechanical and hydraulic points of view with the rock mass. Seepage in fractured rock masses is dominated by the flow that takes place through the joints, and this is highly d(;pendent on their properties, namely aperture and roughness. Joint aperture, in tum, i::; very sensitive to stress changes. Special attention must therefore be paid to the joints in hydromechanical analyses. In this report are presented some studies that were carried out for the hydromechanical characterization of joints of the Alto Lindoso rock mass and numerical simulations of the hydromechanical behaviour of two selected sections of the high pressure circuit.