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Circular and spherical particle models are a class of discrete elements (DEM) that have been in-creasingly applied to fracture studies of quasi-brittle materials, such as rock and concrete, due to their proven ability to simulate fracture processes through random particle assemblies repre-senting quasi-brittle materials at the grain scale. More recently, DEM models have been applied to old stone masonry fracture studies. In order to extend its applicability to structures of larger di-mensions, an enhanced hybrid particle model is here proposed that allows finite elements with a given surface roughness, provided by the discretization of the element boundary with particles, to interact with the particulate media in which they are embedded. The performance of the hybrid model is compared with that of a traditional all-particle model under uniaxial testing. It is shown that similar results are obtained, namely in the elastic phase, figures of rupture, pre-peak and post-peak behaviour, while the hybrid model allows a significant computational run time re-duction of 20% to 25% in the coarse particle assemblies. Finally, the proposed hybrid model is applied in the simulation of shear tests of stone masonry walls, dry and mortared joints, providing a reasonably good agreement with both experimental results and predictions. For the rubble masonry tests, the hybrid model allows a computation run time reduction of around 40%, when compared with an all-particle model.

Discrete element models are widely used in the analysis of masonrystructures, as they provide an effective approximation of the observedbehaviour, namely for modelling collapse modes governed by thediscontinuities. Assessment of the response under earthquakes is an importantapplication of these models, which perform time domain dynamic analysisusing explicit algorithms. Rayleigh damping is generally used, but itsmass-proportional component has potential adverse effects, and the small stepsrequired by explicit solutions lead to large computational costs. An alternativedamping formulation employing Maxwell elements in parallel with the jointstiffness is proposed and tested. Problems involving linear elastic analysis ofcolumn bending, rocking of rigid blocks, and out-of-plane failure of masonrywalls under seismic loading are examined. The proposed damping approachdisplayed a sound mechanical performance and is computationally efficient.These early results justify further investigation of the technique for a broaderapplication in masonry structural dynamics.

This research explores the mechanical behavior of dry-joint masonry subjected to combined shear

Concrete gravity dams are mass concrete structures, often built on rock mass foundations, conceived to rely upon their weight for stability. To prevent sliding, these structures are usually keyed/embedded into the foundation, a good construction practice particularly relevant in medium to high intensity seismic zones. In stability analysis, the extra strength obtained by keying the dam into the foundation is usually either neglected or taken as a passive resistance, which, such as explored in this paper, do not reflect the real structural response in pre-collapse situations. Limit state philosophy requires the ultimate equilibrium conditions to be expressed as accurately as possible. In this paper, the rigid-body equilibrium of a wedgy model representing the dam and a downstream rock wedge is analyzed according to the large displacement regime. Failure mechanisms were identified, analytically described and numerically validated. Application to two Portuguese large concrete gravity dams led to safety factors considerably larger than those computed assuming the usual practice. The proposed approach is intended to support probabilistic and/or semi-probabilistic methodologies for safety assessment of concrete gravity dams, in the design and feasibility phases, in which the limit state approach is inherently followed.

Concrete gravity dams are mass concrete structures, often built on rock mass foundations, conceived to rely upon their weight for stability. To prevent sliding, these structures are usually keyed/embedded into the foundation, a good construction practice particularly relevant in medium to high intensity seismic zones. In stability analysis, the extra strength obtained by keying the dam into the foundation is usually either neglected or taken as a passive resistance, which, such as explored in this paper, do not reflect the real structural response in pre-collapse situations. Limit state philosophy requires the ultimate equilibrium conditions to be expressed as accurately as possible. In this paper, the rigid-body equilibrium of a wedgy model representing the dam and a downstream rock wedge is analyzed according to the large displacement regime. Failure mechanisms were identified, analytically described and numerically validated. Application to two Portuguese large concrete gravity dams led to safety factors considerably larger than those computed assuming the usual practice. The proposed approach is intended to support probabilistic and/or semi-probabilistic methodologies for safety assessment of concrete gravity dams, in the design and feasibility phases, in which the limit state approach is inherently followed.

A detailed modelling approach to represent masonry at the meso-scale is proposed, basedon the discrete element method, considering the nonlinear behavior of the joints and the units. Thefracture of units is represented by the bonded-block concept, in which a random network of potentialcracks is created, allowing the progressive development of failure mechanisms. For simplicity, onlythe 2D case is presented, but the extension to 3D is straightforward. A key component of the proposedmodel is a framework for a joint or interface constitutive model, including the post-peak softeningrange, taking into account the experimental fracture energies. In this model, the softening curves intension or shear are defined by piecewise linear segments, calibrated to reproduce the most commonmasonry constitutive models. The essential issues involved in the application of bonded-blockmodels to masonry are examined, namely the block shape, either Voronoi polygons or triangles; size;deformability; and the influence of the main constitutive parameters. Uniaxial compression tests areanalyzed in detail. The simulation of a well-known experiment of a brick panel under shear showsthe good performance of the proposed approach. The investigation results demonstrate the model

To predict the structural behaviour of ancient stone masonry walls is still a challenging taskdue to their strong heterogeneity. A rubble-stone masonry modeling methodology using a 2D particlemodel (2D-PM), based on the discrete element method is proposed given its ability to predict crackpropagation by taking directly into account the material structure at the grain scale. Rubble-stone(ancient) masonry walls tested experimentally under uniaxial compression loading conditions arenumerically evaluated. The stone masonry numerical models are generated from a close mappingprocess of the stone units and of the mortar surfaces. A calibration procedure for the stone-stoneand mortar-mortar contacts based on experimental data is presented. The numerical studies showthat the 2D-PM wall models can predict the formation and propagation of cracks, the initial stiffnessand the maximum load obtained experimentally in traditional stone masonry walls. To reducethe simulation times, it is shown that the wall lateral numerical model adopting a coarser mortardiscretization is a viable option for these walls. The mortar behaviour under compression with lateralconfinement is identified as an important micro-parameter, that influences the peak strength and theductility of rubble-masonry walls under uniaxial loading.

This paper is focused on the study of the dynamic behaviour of two large arch dams, and it presents some innovations for the improvement of Seismic and Structural Health Monitoring (SSHM) systems for dams. The work describes a methodology based on the integrated use of software for automatic monitoring data analysis and of computational 3D finite element (3DFE) models for dam dynamic behaviour simulation. The monitoring data analysis software was developed for automatic modal identification, in order to obtain natural frequencies and mode shapes, for automatic detection of vibrations induced by seismic events, to be distinguished from those caused by other operational sources, and for comparison between results retrieved from measured vibrations and numerical results from 3DFE modelling. The numerical simulations are carried out using a 3DFE program developed for dynamic analysis of dam-reservoir-foundation systems, based on a solid–fluid coupled formulation and considering the dam-water dynamic interaction, including calculation modules for complex modal analysis and for linear and non-linear seismic analysis. The case studies are two large arch dams that have been under continuous dynamic monitoring over the last ten years: Cabril dam (132 m high), the highest dam in Portugal, and Cahora Bassa dam (170 m high), in Mozambique, one of the highest dams in Africa. The SSHM systems installed in both dams have similar schemes and were designed to continuously record accelerations in several locations at the upper part of the dam body and near the dam-foundation interface, using uniaxial and triaxial accelerometers. The most significant experimental results from continuous dynamic monitoring are presented and compared with numerical results for both dams, with emphasis on the evolution of natural frequencies over time, including the vibration mode shapes for various water levels, and on the measured accelerations during low-intensity seismic events. Furthermore, the main results of non-linear seismic response simulations are provided, considering the effects due to joint movements and tensile and compressive concrete damage, aiming to assess the seismic performance of both dams based on the Endurance Time Analysis method.

A monumental tetrastyle canopy (four columns topped by a hollow cap overlaying a statue), built in1948 at the centre of Kathmandu, Nepal, has suffered full collapse during the April 25, 2015 Mw7.8earthquake. Two video camera recordings let us recover the most important movements of thestructure. At a distance of 2.9 km from the monument, an accelerometric station (KATNP) recordedthe motion which we used as input of a model structure made with DEM. Geometry and dimensionsof main elements were mostly obtained from satellite images. Concrete and steel in columns wereconsidered as the common practice at that time. We performed some sensitivity analyses varyingthe mechanical properties due to the possibility of aging alterations in concrete and steel and toincorporate uncertainties on the geometric characteristics. Albeit the response has a significantvariability, results show that it is possible to reproduce well the video images, attesting theimportance of video cameras to capture the dynamic performance of structures, providing insightinto their behaviour and data to support numerical investigations.

In this study, the in-plane structural behavior, capacity, and performance of dry-joint stone masonry walls (DJSMWs)and the effects of the vertical stress level on these factors are investigated via a stochastic discontinuumanalysis that considers the material uncertainty. A discontinuum type of analysis is performed based on thediscrete element method (DEM), where each stone masonry unit is explicitly represented in the computationalmodel. To better simulate the cracking and shear failure modes within the stone units, a coupled fracture energybasedcontact constitutive model is implemented into a commercial discrete element code, 3DEC. First, theproposed modeling approach is validated by comparing to experimental findings in literature. Then, theapproach is used to explore the failure mechanism and the force

This paper is focused on the Portuguese experience regarding the development and operation of continuous vibrations monitoring systems in large concrete dams. The goal is to emphasize the importance of the combined use of monitoring data and numerical models for Seismic and Structural Health Monitoring (SSHM) of Dams. The case study is Cabril arch dam (132 m high), the highest dam in Portugal, in which a pioneer SSHM system has been in operation since 2008. This system, installed by LNEC, was designed for measuring accelerations in the dam body and near the base (dam-foundation interface), using 16 uniaxial and 3 triaxial accelerometers. Appropriate software has been developed to integrate and complement the monitoring system, aiming to automatically process and analyse the recorded data, including tools for simplified study of monitoring results and for automatic comparison with numerical results from 3DFE models. The main experimental results obtained for Cabril dam are presented, namely the evolution of natural frequencies over time, mode shapes and the measured seismic response to an earthquake event. A comparison with results from numerical modelling is presented, using a coupled 3DFE model based on a formulation in displacements and pressures, considering a state space approach to simulate the dynamic behaviour of the dam-reservoir-foundation system and the Newmark method to compute the seismic response.

This paper is focused on the LNEC experience regarding the development and operation of continuous vibrations monitoring systems in large concrete dams. The goal is to emphasize the importance of the combined use of monitoring data and numerical models for Seismic and Structural Health Monitoring (SSHM) of Dams. The SSHM system installed in Cabril dam (132 m high), in operation since 2008, is described. The design and implementation of this system, including hardware and software, was the result of a long-term LNEC research program, still on-going. The SSHM system software was developed in order to automatically perform the analysis of collected data, including the automatic comparison with numerical results from 3DFE models. Similar systems have been installed in other large dams in Portugal.

The Baixo Sabor hydroelectric scheme is located at northeast of Portugal and creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 630 million m3 of water. The dam is a concrete double-curvature arch dam with 123 m high. According to the Portuguese legislation and considering the seismic risk of the dam construction zone, a Seismic Monitoring System (SMS) need be provided. In their most extensive configuration, these systems may incorporate remote stations along the reservoir for studying the propagation of seismic waves and to detect eventual induced reservoir seismicity.So, for the observation of the seismic activity on the surrounding area of the reservoir, to characterize the seismic action and the corresponding structural response of the dams, an observation system based on triaxial accelerometers was designed and installed. This system has been in continuous operation since its installation, and the data of the recorded earthquake records has been analyzed and processed. This article presents a brief description of the regional geological and tectonic setting including the stratigraphic and lithological unit

Atualmente, o controlo da segurança de grandes barragens de betão tende a apoiar-se em sistemas de monitorização com Recolha Automática de Dados (RAD), incluindo a medição de grandezas para caracterização da resposta sob ações dinâmicas, em que é necessário utilizar altas frequências de amostragem, em geral da ordem de 50 Hz ou superiores. No caso da barragem do Cabril, por exemplo, o LNEC e a EDP instalaram, em 2008, um sistema para monitorização da resposta da obra sob ações sísmicas e sob excitação ambiente/operacional com vista a controlar a integridade estrutural da obra através do controlo da evolução ao longo do tempo dos principais parâmetros modais da obra. A instalação deste tipo de sistemas (SSHM:

During the last decade, many vibration-based structural health monitoring systems have been successfully implemented in different structures such as bridges, towers, stadia roofs and wind turbines, with the aim of studying the structures dynamics and its evolution over time and even-tually detect the occurrence of novel structural behaviour that may indicate the presence of damage.Such vibration-based monitoring systems generally rely on the identification of modal proper-ties, which are then used as monitoring features. Therefore, from operational modal analysis to the tracking of the said features, many processing steps occur that depend on the accuracy of the identified modal properties in order to produce good results. Thus, the calculation of the uncertainties associated with the identified modal properties may act as an important tool in this process.In this context, data obtained from the continuous dynamic monitoring of a concrete arch dam has been used to test the effect of taking the uncertainties of identified modal properties into consideration when performing operational modal analysis and modal tracking.

A barragem de Pretarouca, no rio Balsemão (serra de Montemuro, concelho de Lamego), tem 29,70 m de altura e 305 m de desenvolvimento. A albufeira tem 3,2 hm3, destinando-se a água a abastecimento público. A obra, construída entre 2007 e 2009, é explorada 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 da barragem durante o primeiro enchimento da albufeira, ocorrido em 2009, e o período de exploração subsequente. Na análise estrutural considerou-se um modelo plano do conjunto barragem-fundação, o comportamento viscoelástico dos materiais, a variação das ações da água e as variações térmicas que ocorreram no betão da obra.Os resultados numéricos são comparados com os resultados da observação contínua da obra, apresentando uma boa concordância.

This paper presents the relevant monitoring data and the main results of the analysis and interpretation of the structural behaviour of Bouçoais-Sonim dam, a medium-size gravity concrete dam of 42.5 m high, during the first filling of the reservoir, in March 2005, and the subsequent 10 years of operation.As usual, the dam safety control is performed by considering the data provided by the monitoring system, which is analysed and interpreted with the support of numerical models. These activities are particularly relevant during the first filling of the reservoir, which is a real load testing, and during the first years of operation, when the dam

O Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil (LNEC), desde a sua criação, em 1946, tem dado um apoio significativo ao projeto, à construção e à exploração de barragens de betão e obras subterrâneas associadas, tanto em Portugal como no estrangeiro. Esta atividade tem sido muito diversificada e abrange todas as fases de vida das obras, podendo salientar-se os estudos e atividades relacionados com a caracterização dos maciços rochosos, a definição de formas estruturais e hidráulicas, utilizando modelação física e matemática, a análise estrutural por métodos experimentais e numéricos, a observação do comportamento e o controlo da segurança. No sentido de reduzir a dependência energética de Portugal, nos últimos anos tem vindo a ser aumentada a capacidade de produção hidroelétrica, com o reforço de potência de aproveitamentos existentes e com a construção de novos aproveitamentos. O presente trabalho apresenta os aspetos principais de algumas obras em que o LNEC tem estado envolvido, colaborando com a autoridade nacional, os donos de obra, os projetistas e os construtores. As atividades descritas têm vindo a ser desenvolvidas por uma vasta equipa de especialistas do LNEC, entre os quais se incluem os autores do presente trabalho.

The Baixo Sabor dam, whose construction ended in 2014, is a double curvature concrete arch dam 123 m high, built and owned by EDP Produção (a company of EDP-Energias de Portugal Group) in Sabor river, one of the right side tributaries of the river Douro in the North of Portugal. This structure creates a large reservoir whose first filling took place between 2015 and 2016. The estimate of the modal properties of this structure has been developed on the basis of two alternative procedures: (1) the performance of forced vibration tests based on the use of an eccentric mass vibrator and (2) the implementation of a vibration based structural health monitoring system, involving 20 uniaxial accelerometers, used to observe the dam behaviour during the first filling of the reservoir and the two first years of operation. This paper, apart from making a brief description of the dynamic tests performed, as well as, of the main characteristics of the monitoring system and results obtained during the first months of operation, presents a comparative analysis between the modal estimates achieved by the input-output and output-only modal identification techniques employed using the data associated to the performance of the forced vibration tests.

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 vibration based structural health monitoring system. This system involves 20 uni-axial accelerometers, 12 of them radially disposed in a gallery close to the dam crest, and the other 8 radially placed along two other galleries. The accelerometers are connected to a set of digitizers distributed in the three instrumented galleries and synchronized by GPS. This paper presents the main characteristics of the monitoring system and the results obtained during the first 18 months of operation, which include 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), as well as of the influence of the water level and tem-perature on the modal parameters. Suitable statistical models are applied to mitigate those effects in order to obtain time series of natural frequencies suitable for detection of structural changes.

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.