Publications

Traditional stone masonry walls are structural elements in most historic build-ings. To preserve them and improve their ability to withstand extreme events, such asearthquakes, it is necessary to implement effective reinforcement solutions. This paperpresents the modeling of traditional Portuguese rubble stone masonry walls, reinforcedwith external steel mesh, sprayed micro-concrete layers and transverse confinement bysteel connectors, which were developed and tested experimentally in uniaxial compression.The modeling is carried out using micro-modeling through a 2D particle model (PM).The process of calibrating the properties of both micro-concrete and concrete is presented,the methodology for generating the numerical models is described and the numericalresponse is compared with the experimental results. The numerical results show thatthe PM can adequately reproduce the experimentally observed behavior of this type ofreinforcement solution.

This study presents a robust contact constitutive model in the distinct element method (DEM) framework for simulating the mechanical behavior of masonry structures. The model is developed within the block-based modeling strategy, where the masonry unit is modeled as deformable blocks with potential crack surfaces in the middle of the bricks, while the mortar joints are defined as zero-thickness interfaces. The modeling strategy implements multi-surface plasticity with damage mechanics, including a tension cut-off, Coulomb failure criterion, and an elliptical compressive cap for the damage in tension, shear, and compression, respectively. Two new features are introduced in this contact model: a piecewise linear softening function for strength degradation in tension and shear and a hardening/softening function to phenomenologically define the compressive damage of masonry composite into the unit-mortar interface. The constitutive model is implemented in commercial DEM software using the small displacement configuration and validated against material and experimental tests on masonry walls subjected to constant pre-compression and monotonically increasing in-plane load. The experimental and numerical results regarding the force-displacement relationship and damage pattern produced by the proposed constitutive model are compared and critically discussed, demonstrating the capability of DEM coupled with the suitable constitutive law in simulating the behavior of masonry structures.

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

Among the various important monuments impacted by the April 25, 2015 Mw7.8 Nepal earthquake, the Dharahara Tower located in Kathmandu suffered complete collapse. The collapse of the tower, a slender 60-meter-high old brick masonry structure with an almost cylindrical hollow shape, was captured by a low-quality video camera, which nonetheless helped to identify the critical moments. Initially, the tower descended more than 10 meters vertically after a rupture at the base. After a few seconds, it overturned, disintegrating upon impact on the ground. At a distance of 1.3 km, an accelerometric station recorded the strong motion which was used as input of a discrete element model of the structure. Mechanical properties were taken from lab tests made on similar building materials. The Dharahara Tower had previously been analysed by other researchers using various methods. However, since they were apparently not aware of the mechanism observed in the video footage, their collapse models do not agree with this new evidence. For the initial phase of the collapse the present model explains with great accuracy the observations of the video footage, but the final phase is dependent on various details, and modelling is not so robust.

Discrete element block models provide a suitable tool for the numerical analysis of masonry structures, particularly apt to represent the nonlinear response governed by shearing and separation along the structure

The unreinforced masonry (URM) walls are the common load-bearing structural elements in most existing buildings, consisting of masonry units (bricks) and mortar joints. They indicate a highly nonlinear and complex behaviour when subjected to combined compression-shear load-ing influenced by different factors, such as pre-compression load and boundary conditions, among many others, which makes predicting their structural response challenging. To this end, the present study offers a discontinuum-based modelling strategy based on the discrete element method (DEM) to investigate the in-plane cyclic response of URM panels under different vertical pressures with and without a damp-proof course (DPC) membrane. The adopted modelling strategy represents URM walls as a group of discrete rigid block systems interacting along their boundaries through the contact points. A novel contact constitutive model addressing the elasto-softening stress-displacement behaviour of unit-mortar interfaces and the associated stiffness degradation in tension-compression regimes is adopted within the implemented discontinuum-based modelling framework. The proposed modelling strategy is validated by comparing a re-cent experimental campaign where the essential data regarding geometrical features, material properties and loading histories are obtained. The results show that while the proposed compu-tational modelling strategy can accurately capture the hysteric response of URM walls without the DPC membrane, it may underestimate the load-carrying capacity for URM walls with the DPC membrane.

This paper presents the development of a novel crack-based damage quantification method to assess the damage accumulation in masonry arch bridges subjected to externally applied loading. Initially, a damage index was proposed, considering the initiation and extension of tensile and sliding cracks. Then, the proposed damage indexing was adopted into a two-dimensional discrete element code of analysis to evaluate single and multi-ring masonry arch bridges. The numerical model was validated by comparing the computational outputs against the experimental results obtained from the literature. Following the validation, masonry arch bridge models were developed, featuring the four most representative bond configurations in arch barrels. Also, different bond properties were assigned to investigate their impact on the global failure characteristics of single- and multi-ring masonry arch bridges. From the analyses of results of the multi-ring masonry arch bridges investigated in this study, it was shown that the rapid growth of tensile cracks in radial joints and the occurrence of shear slippage in circumferential joints between adjacent rings were observed to be early signs for multi-ring bridges before the ultimate load reached. By analysing the correlation between the normalised damage index with the normalised load, damage accumulation in different masonry arch bridges were identified. This study offers a novel perspective on quantitively evaluating the damage accumulation and failure mechanism of masonry arch bridges and the findings may provide valuable insights into the assessment and management of existing masonry arch bridges.

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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

A análise estrutural de pavimentos para cargas verticais pode ser realizada com base em vários modelos numéricos: método dos elementos finitos, método dos elementos discretos, método da espessura equivalente, e métodos baseados na análise elástica de multi-camada. Neste trabalho édescrita a formulação de um modelo de análise multi-camada com base na equação decompatibilidade de um corpo elástico linear em coordenadas cilíndricas. Vários tipos de solução de pavimentos são analisados, sendo os resultados obtidos com o modelo de multi-camada proposto comparados com os obtidos com um programa de elementos finitos 3D que apresenta uma maior robustez numérica, e com um programa multi-camada equivalente, BISAR.

A aplicação de modelos de identificação modal no domínio da frequência à análise dos resultados de ensaios de vibração ambiental efectuados no corpo da barragem do Cabril mostrou que, para além dos esperados picos espectrais correspondentes aos modos de vibração da barragem também surgem nos espectros da resposta medida outros picos importantes cuja frequência não corresponde a nenhuma das conhecidas frequências naturais da obra. Colocou-se então a hipótese desses picos espectrais estarem relacionados com o comportamento dinâmico da torre das tomadas de água que é uma estrutura auxiliar, porticada, em betão armado, com altura idêntica à da barragem (132 m). Trata-se de uma estrutura que se encontra imersa na albufeira junto ao paramento de montante da obra, e que suporta os órgãos de manobra das comportas das tomadas de água dos dois grupos de produção de energia e da descarga de fundo. Assim, com vista a analisar a referida hipótese de ocorrência de fenómenos de interacção dinâmica entre a torre e a própria barragem, foi desenvolvido neste trabalho um modelo de elementos finitos 3D para analisar o comportamento dinâmico da torre, o qual foi calibrado com base em resultados experimentais obtidos a partir: i) de ensaios de vibração ambiental efectuados no corpo da barragem e na torre, e; ii) de um sistema de observação em contínuo do comportamento dinâmico instalado recentemente no corpo da barragem. Neste artigo apresenta-se também um estudo de previsão do comportamento dinâmico da torre sob acções sísmicas, efectuando a análise no domínio do tempo e pelo método do espectro de resposta.

As barragens são estruturas que representam risco potencial elevado pois em caso de rotura podem causar perdas humanas e materiais importantes. Através da sua observação criteriosa e com recurso a modelos numéricos faz-se a avaliação de cenários de rotura, obtendo-se factores de segurança que servirão como critérios de decisão para acções de reforço e reabilitação.Neste contexto apresenta-se o caso de uma barragem localizada no Canadá cuja análise do cenário de rotura por deslizamento, sugere a aplicação de cabos de ancoragem de modo a serem alcançadas as condições de segurança pretendidas. Previamente é feita uma breve revisão das técnicas de reforço e reabilitação associadas aos principais cenários de deterioração relativos às barragens gravidade de betão e alvenaria.

Small concrete gravity dams are sometimes built using passive steel anchors to enhance their stability for the applied loads. It is important to assess the amount of internal tensile and shear forces resisted by the anchors to verify their structural adequacy. This paper presents the application of the distinct element method to study the magnitude and distribution of internal anchor forces. Comprehensive parametric analyses considering the anchor shear stiffness and the friction angle of the dam-foundation interface have been performed on a small dam 3 m high. The case of several anchors along the section was also investigated. It is shown that (a) the required displacements to induce anchor loads are very small (of the order of 10x10-3 mm of crack opening), (b) that the anchor shear stiffness has small impact in the load share between anchor and concrete, and finally (c) that strength properties of rock-concrete interface play a key role in the structure behavior.

Release of the in situ stresses is often the most relevant action in underground projects. Several different field methods are available to measure the in situ state of stress. Some allow the evaluation of the complete state of stress at a given point, while others only supply a single stress component. The paper presents a global methodology for evaluation of the most likely natural stress field from in situ test results. Some case histories are presented as examples of application. One example deals with the case of an underground powerhouse where high horizontal stresses were determined by overcoring tests, which were later confirmed by flat jack tests performed during the construction of access adits. A second one considers the analysis of a testing programme where overcoring and flat jack tests were both performed during the initial testing programme in different locations. The last one refers to the results of overcoring tests in the vicinity of existing underground caverns, which have to be adequately considered in order to estimate the natural state of stress.

Neste trabalho apresenta-se um processo iterativo de cálculo, com base na análise limite, para determinação do comprimento de fissuras nos planos horizontais de barragens gravidade sujeitos a esforços de tracção e, em consequência, alteração das condições de aplicação da subpressão. Esta ferramenta baseia-se num modelo de dados proveniente de uma aplicação mais vasta que, a partir da geometria da barragem, características do material, nível da água a jusante e montante, condições de drenagem e solicitação sísmica, permite a determinação das condições de estabilidade da estrutura. Faz-se a análise dos dois acidentes ocorridos na barragem de Bouzey, um por deslizamento pela base e o outro por derrubamento parcial da secção, em que a ocorrência de fissuração e o efeito da subpressão tiveram papel determinante.

As barragens são estruturas que apresentam um risco potencial elevado, pelo que a sua fiabilidade deve ser avaliada continuamente através de um programa de observação. Com base nos dados recolhidos podem ser estudados possíveis cenários de rotura através de modelos numéricos. Descreve-se neste trabalho os principais cenários de rotura a serem considerados quando da avaliação de segurança de uma barragem gravidade e apresenta-se o caso de uma pequena barragem descarregadora, localizada no Canadá, para qual foi elaborado um estudo de estabilidade, inicialmente através de um modelo de equilíbrio limite e posteriormente por meio de um modelo em elementos discretos, no qual foi avaliada uma solução de reforço constituída pela aplicação de ancoragens passivas.

Large flat jack tests are used to assess rock mass deformability in the design stages of large projects. The paper introduces a methodology for interpretation of the tests, with which it is also possible to obtain the in situ normal and shear stress components on the flat jack plane. The main problem regarding interpretation of large flat jack tests has to do with the effect of the tension crack that may develop in the rock mass, depending on the loading pattern, the rock mass tensile strength and the in situ stress normal to the jack. The three-dimensional numerical model that was developed simulates the test with the actually applied loading and accounts for the development of the tension crack. Model results show that the extent of the tension crack is irrelevant for the determination of the in situ stresses. Therefore, the in situ stress values can be used as an important parameter for interpretation of the test results, and furthermore constitute one more output of this reliable in situ test.

O dimensionamento de barragens, de acordo com a regulamentação portuguesa, engloba averificação da segurança da obra para diversos cenários de rotura. Nesta comunicação,apresenta-se o estudo experimental do comportamento dinâmico até à rotura de um modelode uma barragem abóbada com representação da albufeira. Os resultados experimentaisserão comparados com os obtidos a partir de modelações matemáticas devidamente calibradas.

The structural safety control of large dams is based on the continuous observation of its behavior under static and dynamic actions and on the use of mathematical models for the simulation of the real dam behavior. These mathematical models should be calibrated taking into account the real behavior of the system dam-reservoir-foundation (mainly influenced by the reservoir water level). For the safety control of old dams, usually with cracking, the mathematical models should include some features for crack simulation.

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.