Publicações

Os modelos de partículas, ao terem em conta a estrutura granular da rocha, consideram de forma explícita a variabilidade associada ao material, razão pela qual têm sido aplicados com sucesso no estudo da fratura em rocha. Neste trabalho é apresentado um modelo de partículas 3D com base nos diagramas de Laguerre-Voronoi da estrutura granular, que permite ter em conta de forma aproximada uma geometria do tipo poliédrica mantendo a simplicidade e o reduzido esforço computacional característico dos modelos de partículas esféricas. Propõe-se então um modelo de contacto múltiplo no qual a superfície de contacto é definida com base nas facetas dos diagramas de Voronoi. O modelo de partículas é validado com base em ensaios experimentais em rocha (triaxiais, uniaxiais e ensaio Brasileiro). Apresentam se vários estudos paramétricos que evidenciam a influência dos parâmetros do modelo de partículas nas propriedades macroscópicas elásticas e resistentes obtidas numericamente. É ainda analisada a relevância de um modelo de contacto com leis de enfraquecimento bilinear em tração e corte que conduz a valores coerentes de tração última em ensaios de tração diretos e em ensaios Brasileiros.

This article presents the main concepts and the application of thediscrete element method (DEM) for evaluating the seismic performanceof historical buildings. Furthermore, the out-of-plane behaviorof an adobe church with thick walls, in which the morphology of thecross-section can have an influence on the response, was evaluatedby the DEM. The performance of rigid and deformable blocks modelswas compared, and the sensitivity of the numerical model to thevariation of critical parameters was investigated. The results allowedthe identification of the most vulnerable elements and a proposal ofrecommendations for reducing the seismic vulnerability.

This work presents some novel results obtained by using the strain injection techniquesfor modeling crack propagation in challenging 3D benchmark tests. The techniques were already tested and validated by static and dynamic simulations in 2D, so the main goal of this paper is to verify if the most important advantages of the method, low computational cost and independence of the results on the finite element mesh, are kept in 3D.The methodology, implemented in the finite element framework, consists essentially in injecting those elements that are going to capture the cracks with some enhanced strain modes for improving the performance of the elements for modeling propagating material failure.

This paper presents a finite element approach for modelling three-dimensional crack propagation in quasi-brittle materials, based on the strain injection and the crack-path field techniques. These numerical techniques were already tested and validated by static and dynamic simulations in 2D classical benchmarks and, also, for modelling tensile crack propagation in real concrete structures, like concrete gravity dams. The main advantages of the methodology are the low computational cost and the independence of the results on the size and orientation of the finite element mesh. These advantages were highlighted in previous works by the authors and motivate the present extension to 3D cases. The proposed methodology is implemented in the finite element framework using continuum constitutive models equipped with strain softening and consists, essentially, in injecting the elements candidate to capture the cracks with some goal oriented strain modes for improving the performance of the injected elements for simulating propagating displacement discontinuities. The goal-oriented strain modes are introduced by resorting to mixed formulations and to the Continuum Strong Discontinuity Approach (CSDA), while the crack position inside the finite elements is retrieved by resorting to the crack-path field technique. Representative numerical simulations in 3D benchmarks show that the advantages of the methodology already pointed out in 2D are kept in 3D scenarios.

Na presente comunicação é apresentado o estudo de caracterização dinâmica da barragem do Alto Ceira II recorrendo a métodos experimentais e numéricos. Foi efetuada a caraterização deste comportamento para as situações de albufeira vazia e cheia através da realização de ensaios de vibração forçada e da medição de ruído ambiente. A interpretação dos resultados das campanhas de ensaio e a estimação das características mecânicas médias do betão da barragem foi efetuada com o recurso a um modelo numérico calibrado com os resultados experimentais.

Rigid block models are widely used in the analysis of masonrystructures, as they provide a sound and efficient approximation of the observedbehaviour, namely for modelling collapse modes that do not involve theinternal failure of the units. The options available for the numericalrepresentation of contact in rigid block models are discussed, in particular thewell-known point contact approaches. The accuracy of the various options iscompared for static and dynamical test problems involving bending of columnsand walls. Proposals are made concerning the level of contact discretisation,namely the number of contacts and weight rules, required for a good modelperformance.

Abstract: Rigid block models are widely used in the analysis of masonrystructures, as they provide a sound and efficient approximation of the observedbehaviour, namely for modelling collapse modes that do not involve theinternal failure of the units. The options available for the numericalrepresentation of contact in rigid block models are discussed, in particular thewell-known point contact approaches. The accuracy of the various options iscompared for static and dynamical test problems involving bending of columnsand walls. Proposals are made concerning the level of contact discretisation,namely the number of contacts and weight rules, required for a good modelperformance.

The Baixo Sabor hydroelectric power plant, located in the northeast of Portugal, includes a reservoir with a storage capacity of 630 million m3 of water created by a concrete double-curvature arch dam, 100 m high, which was equipped with a 20-channel vibration based structural health monitoring system.This paper, apart from describing the dam, presents the main characteristics of the monitoring system and the results obtained during the first 6 months of operation and the first filling of the reservoir. These results include in particular the characterization of the accelerations amplitude and the evolution of the dam modal parameters (natural frequencies, modal damping ratios and mode shapes). It is particular interesting to observe the influence of the water level on the modal parameters and the development of statistical models to mitigate this effect.

Earthquakes cause severe damage to masonry structures due to inertial forces acting in the normaldirection to the plane of the walls. The out-of-plane behavior of masonry walls is complex anddepends on several parameters, such as material and geometric properties of walls, connectionsbetween structural elements, the characteristics of the input motions, among others. Differentanalytical methods and advanced numerical modeling are usually used for evaluating the out-ofplanebehavior of masonry structures. Furthermore, different types of structural analysis can beadopted for this complex behavior, such as limit analysis, pushover, or nonlinear dynamic analysis.Aiming to evaluate the capabilities of different approaches to similar problems, blind predictionswere made using different approaches. For this purpose, two idealized structures were tested on ashaking table and several experts on masonry structures were invited to present blind predictions on theresponse of the structures, aiming at evaluating the available tools for the out-of-plane assessment ofmasonry structures. This article presents the results of the blind test predictions and the comparisonwith the experimental results, namely in terms of formed collapsed mechanisms and control outputs(PGA or maximum displacements), taking into account the selected tools to perform the analysis.

The analysis of the shaking table test of a 3-wall stone masonry structure performed with a discreteelement model is presented. The numerical model, created with the code 3DEC, employed a rigidblock representation and a Mohr-Coulomb joint model. Joint stiffness calibration to match theexperimental natural frequencies is discussed, as well as the boundary conditions to simulate theshake table. Comparisons are made with themeasured displacements at key locations, and themodesof deformation and fracture of the walls. The DEM model was able to reproduce important features ofthe shaking table tests. The experimental deformation and near collapse patterns were clearlyidentifiable in the numerical simulations, which produced displacements within the observed ordersof magnitude, for the various levels of excitation.

In this work three constitutive contact models that include softening are adopted for particle model fracture studies in both rock and concrete. For a single local contact, the constitutive contact model performance is initially compared in tensile, pure shear and shear tests under constant axial. Additionally, compression, direct tensile, and confined triaxial tests of quasi-britlle material discretized with spherical particles are presented and the predicted macroscopic response is compared. For a single local contact, the three contact models predict a similar behaviour. As shown, it is possible to calibrate each contact model to reproduce complex macroscopic behaviour observed in rock and concrete, but each contact model requires different contact properties or particle generation procedures.

Asphalt mixture faces damage due to vehicle speed, repeated loads, and ultravioletradiation over time, regardless of being a self-healing material. Induced healing mechanismsare necessary to promote autonomous pavement recovery due to adverse in-service conditions,and the capsule-asphalt mixture system incorporating low-viscosity oils (rejuvenators) hasshown to be a possible solution in laboratory tests. This study aims to numerically investigatethe effect of rejuvenator-modified mastic (activated capsules) on the stiffness properties ofasphalt mixtures within the discrete element method. A three-dimensional model previouslyvalidated for rejuvenator-modified mastics with different rejuvenator-to-bitumen ratios (0, 2.5,and 10 wt%) is adopted. A generalised Kelvin contact model represents the time-dependentcontacts, and its contact parameters define the rejuvenator amount in the mastic phase. Theanalysis assesses the impact of the modified mastic amount and the rejuvenator-to-bitumenratio. Results show that the increasing modified mastic content progressively reduces themixture dynamic modulus. When the total mastic phase has rejuvenator-modified properties,the mixture stiffness modulus significantly reduces, and the phase angle performs differentlyfrom the expected (decrease with frequency) at a 10% rejuvenator-to-bitumen ratio due to theexcessively softened state, possibly compromising the pavement mechanical performance. Fora 0.30 wt% modified mastic ratio case adopting a local effect, the embedded elements do notsignificantly influence the mixture rheological properties, especially the stiffness modulus,which may be insufficient for self-healing purposes. Nevertheless, the negligible impact on thephase angle highlights the potential of the rejuvenator-modified asphalt mixture across differenttraffic and temperature conditions.

Micromechanical modelling based on the Discrete Element Method (DEM) has been widely used to investigate asphalt behaviour due to its ability to represent an irregular microstructure with variable-sized aggregates, bitumen and voids. The 3D rigid particle models with randomly distributed spherical particles and adopting elastic and/or simple viscoelastic models at the contacts are the standard approach, however, in recent years, a significant research effort is noted to incorporate real particle morphologies in the numerical models.In this study, a previously developed 3D DEM model of asphalt employing a generalised Kelvin contact model formulation for the viscoelastic contacts is further improved with realistic particle shapes representing the coarse aggregates. A digital library of aggregate shapes was created from the X-ray computed tomography (CT) scan of an asphalt specimen, using an adaptive image-processing method to separate the aggregates in the CT images and the Delaunay triangulation method to define the aggregate 3D surface model. Several virtual aggregates with different sizes were selected from the library to represent the coarse aggregate gradation of the modelled 3D DEM asphalt specimen. Each virtual aggregate is discretized with smaller spherical particles and its deformability is taken into account through the inner particle contacts. The numerical asphalt specimens with realistic particle shapes were submitted to uniaxial tension-compression cyclic tests to determine the stiffness properties, and the results were compared with those of the numerical specimens with all constituents represented by single spherical rigid particles. As shown, the proposed methodology greatly enhances the 3D DEM model's ability to simulate the asphalt behaviour.

O artigo considera um caso de estudo intencionalmente simples

Uma das técnicas de reforço usadas na reabilitação e reforço estrutural de paredes deedifícios antigos em alvenaria de pedra é o confinamento transversal simples através deelementos de aço fixados perpendicularmente à parede. Neste estudo apresenta-se osresultados numéricos da simulação de ensaios de compressão simples de paredes reforçadoscom esta técnica, utilizando um modelo de partículas 2D (MP-2D). Os estudos numéricosapresentados demonstram que os modelos do tipo MP-2D apresentam uma boa concordânciacom ensaios experimentais, nomeadamente no acréscimo do valor máximo em compressãosimples. Demonstra-se assim, que os modelos MP-2D podem ser adotados nodesenvolvimento de soluções de reforço deste tipo, nomeadamente na definição dascaracterísticas das barras, posicionamento e quantificação.

análise de cenários de rotura associados à fendilhação do betão requer a utilização deferramentas computacionais que sejam capazes de lidar com o comportamento resultante damicro-fendilhação generalizada e/ou de macro-fendas. Nesta comunicação é proposto ummodelo de partículas (MP) híbrido, de elementos discretos e elementos finitos, para a análisetridimensional da fratura em barragens de betão. Após a validação dos parâmetros do modeloem ensaios uniaxiais os resultados obtidos com este modelo são comparados com osresultados obtidos com um modelo de dano e com os resultados obtidos com um modelo MPhíbrido adotado na totalidade do corpo da barragem. Verifica-se que é possível analisarcenários de rotura estáticos em barragens de betão com modelos do tipo MP,preferencialmente híbridos, tendo em vista a redução dos custos computacionais.

This paper presents the development of a three-dimensional micromechanicalmodel based on the Laguerre-Voronoi diagrams of the grain structure to study the viscoelasticbehaviour of asphalt mastic with the use of the discrete element method (DEM).Usually, the DEM models of asphalt mastics adopt a Burger's contact model to reproducethe known viscoelastic behaviour. A generalized Kelvin chain model (GK) was developedwithin a particle model (PM) framework in order to obtain a better agreement in thedetermination of dynamic properties of mastics. Numerical cyclic tests under a frequencyrange varying from 10 to 0.10 Hz were implemented to analyse the dynamic response.The parameters of the DEM model are determined from macroscale material properties,which are obtained by fitting lab-based dynamic modulus and phase angle results. Theinfluence of the parameters defining the contact models on the dynamic response wasinvestigated. An iterative procedure was derived to convert the macroscale propertiesinto calibrated contact parameters of the proposed model. Simulation tests show a goodcorrelation between the numerical results obtained with the GK contact model and theexperimental data when compared with the agreement obtained with the Burger's model.

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The safety of concrete arch dams depends to a large extent on the soundness of thefoundation rock mass. The large arch dams presently under design and construction apply verysignificant loads to their abutments and foundations. The assessment of the foundation stabilityrequires the analysis of the potential failure mechanisms defined by the major rock massdiscontinuities and joint sets. For dams located in areas of intense seismic activity, the analysisneeds to take into account the potential effects of earthquakes, not only on the concrete arch,but also in the nearby rock discontinuities. The discrete element method is a major numericaltools for discontinuum modelling, allowing the analysis of block systems defined by multiplejoint planes. In the paper, the key issues involved in its application to arch dam foundations arereviewed. In particular, the representation of the discontinuities in models intended for failureanalysis is discussed. The evaluation of safety factors under static loading is addressed. Theframework for seismic analysis of arch dams is also examined, namely the dynamic boundaryconditions. Options to analyse the dynamic dam-water interaction and model calibration issuesare discussed, based on practical examples.

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 relatório apresenta-se, de forma sucinta, a descrição da atividade de investigação realizada no âmbito do projeto DEMRock6m do P2I/LNEC 2013-2020. Os resultados da atividade desenvolvida são analisados e avaliados em face dos objetivos inicialmente previstos.

Neste relatório apresenta-se, de forma sucinta, a descrição da atividade de investigação realizada no âmbito do projeto MEBAD do P2I/LNEC 2013-2020, no período 2016-2023. Os resultados da atividade são analisados e avaliados, em face dos objetivos previstos.

Neste relatório apresenta-se, de forma sucinta, a descrição da atividade de investigação realizada no âmbito do projeto RockGeoStat do P2I/LNEC 2013-2020. Os resultados da atividade desenvolvida são analisados e avaliados em face dos objetivos inicialmente previstos.

The main goal of this report is to present DamDamage3D1.0, a 3D finite element-based program for non-linear static analysis of arch dams, developed using MATLAB. The non-linear simulations are performed using a damage law and an iterative numerical method based on the stress-transfer technique, considering the redistribution of unbalanced forces in each iteration due to material damage. The concrete

The main goal of this report is to present DamDamage3D1.0, a 3D finite element-based program for non-linear static analysis of arch dams, developed using MATLAB. The non-linear simulations are performed using a damage law and an iterative numerical method based on the stress-transfer technique, considering the redistribution of unbalanced forces in each iteration due to material damage. The concrete

In this work we present the version 1.0 of the GDams2D 1.0 program developed for 2D analysis of gravity dams using the finite element method. This initial version of the program is prepared to analyze the structural behavior of gravity dams for static loads, considering linear-elastic behavior, and using Lagrange finite elements of 4 sides, with 9 nodal points. The GDams2D 1.0 program, developed in MATLAB, includes a module for automatic generation of meshes with a great level of refinement (generated from coarse meshes of quadrilaterals, with 4 nodal points at the vertices) and is designed for easy adaptation to non-linear analyzes, using stress-transfer modules such as those recently developed for the DamSlide3D and DamDamage3D programs. After a brief reference to the fundamentals of solid mechanics and to the simplified hypotheses of plane elasticity, the Fundamentals of the Finite Element Method (FEM) are presented, referring in particular the formulation of the four-node, linear and isoparametric, finite element (FE4nos), with two translation d.o.f per node, and the quadrangular FEs of 9 nodes (FE9nos) used in GDams2D 1.0. Based on some examples of application to simple 2D structures whose response is knownanalytically, the advantages of FEs are emphasized in relation to FE4nos and the verification and operability of GDams2D 1.0 is made using various discretizations. Finally, the case of a gravity dam (25 m high) is presented. The dam

The main objective of this work is the development and presentation of a three-dimensional finite element program, DamSlide3D, to study the behavior of gravity dams for scenarios of sliding through the dam-foundation interface. The DamSlide3D, developed using MATLAB, includes cube-type finite elements with 20 nodal points ("serendipity") and finite interface elements with 16 nodal points (joint elements). Initially, we present the fundamental equations of Solid Mechanics, referring to the main simplified hypotheses considered in the computationally implemented formulation, which is presented mathematically as a problem of boundary values using a displacement formulation. For the structure body and for the foundation, the hypothesis of isotropic materials with linear elastic behavior is assumed and for the interfaces the hypothesis of non-linear behavior is considered using the Mohr- Coulomb criterion. The DamSlide3D input data is provided in an excel file and includes structure geometry data, material properties, support conditions and load parameters. As output, the program graphically displays the stress field (principal stresses) and the displacement field (deformed structure). The program was verified throughout three numerical tests with known theoretical solutions. In these tests a simple structure was used, composed by a column discretized in 3DFE. At the contact surface between the column and the base (horizontal surface) it was considered an interface discretized using joint finite elements. A plane surface that crosses the column with a given slope is also considered, discretized using the same type of joint finite elements. In the first test, the field of elastic stresses at the base, due to self-weight (SW) and hydrostatic pressure (HP), was compared with the theoretical results. In the second test the nonlinear column response was studied for different values of thefriction angle at the inclined interface (in this test the structure is only submitted to SW). In the third test, for the main SW + HP loads, the stability of the column is studied for a variation of the friction angle, and for a variation of the water level. In these three numerical tests the results were always consistent with the theoretical solutions. Finally, as an example of application, a gravity dam structural behavior was analyzed considering the non-linear behavior in the dam-foundation interface. The dam was subjected to self-weight and hydrostatic pressure. A parametric study was developed in order to study the dam stability for differentvalues of water level and friction angle.

Neste relatório apresenta-se, de forma sucinta, a descrição da atividade de investigação realizada no âmbito do projeto CoMatFail até ao final de 2017. É feita a apreciação da atividade desenvolvida, nomeadamente quanto ao grau de cumprimento do plano de trabalhos, bem como dos objetivos específicos e dos indicadores de desempenho propostos na ficha de projeto. São ainda referidas as aplicações dos resultados da investigação em trabalhos contratados ao LNEC e as candidaturas a financiamento externo desenvolvidas no âmbito do projeto. Inclui-se em anexo a ficha do projeto atualizada, que contempla a revisão do plano de trabalhos.

Neste relatório apresenta-se de forma sucinta a descrição da atividade de investigação realizada no âmbito do projeto DEMRock6m no período 2016-2017. Os resultados da atividade são analisados e avaliados em face dos objetivos inicialmente previstos, sendo proposta uma revisão do plano de atividades para os próximos três anos.

Neste relatório apresenta-se, de forma sucinta, a descrição da atividade de investigação realizada no âmbito do projeto RockGeoStat no período 2016-2017. Os resultados da atividade são analisados e avaliados em face dos objetivos inicialmente previstos, sendo proposto um prolongamento do projeto até ao final de 2018.

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.