Publications

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

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

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

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

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

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This paper describes the study of the metrological quality of the excitation force inthe context of force vibration test of concrete dams. For this purpose, a measurementuncertainty evaluation was performed, based on available probabilistic information about theinput quantities

A conjugação entre os modelos numéricos e os resultados observadosdo comportamento das obras é uma ferramenta fundamentalno apoio ao controle de segurança de grandes obras. A barragemdo Baixo Sabor possui um sistema de monitorização dinâmicaem continuo, e foram realizados dois ensaios de vibração forçadapara duas cotas de albufeira. Neste contexto foram desenvolvidosmodelos numéricos da barragem do Baixo Sabor incorporando oconjunto barragem-fundação-albufeira. Neste artigo, apresentamseos resultados dos modelos numéricos desenvolvidos para váriosníveis da albufeira comparando com os resultados experimentais.

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

he current first generation of Eurocodes is a suite of ten Euro-pean standards for the design of buildings and civil engineeringworks, whose implementation started in 2010. EN 1990 sets thebasis of structural design, with the other Eurocodes dealingwith different materials and specific aspects of design. Geo-technical aspects of design are covered by EN 1997

A determinação da resposta dinâmica das obras e o acompanhamento da evolução do seu comportamento durante as várias fases da vida é muito importante, estando inserido nas atividades do controle de segurança estrutural. A realização de ensaios de vibração forçada em barragens de betão para a determinação do comportamento dinâmico continua a ser uma das técnicas mais fiáveis nesta área. Nesta comunicação descreve-se a metodologia de ensaio, e apresentam-se os resultados relativos a um caso de estudo, referente à caraterização do comportamento dinâmico da barragem do Baixo Sabor. Foi desenvolvido um modelo numérico, com representação do sistema barragem-albufeira-fundação, para apoio na preparação do ensaio e interpretação dos resultados experimentais.

This paper presents the application of a fluid displacement based formulation for the modelling of dynamic dam-reservoir interactions. This approach requires the introduction of a constraint penalty term multiplier that should be as high as necessary to enforce rotational constraint, but small enough to avoid numerical ill-conditioning and overly stiff responses. A maximum design earthquake and a forced vibration numericalanalyses of an arch dam are carried out. The performance of two different displacement based finite elements are compared against each other and against known forced vibration experimental results on an arch dam, for a given reservoir level. The influence of the penalty term, of the free surface motion and of the type of finite element are assessed.

The 166 m high Cahora Bassa arch dam, built in the Zambezi River in Mozambique more than 40 years ago, is undergoing a process of swelling reactions of the concrete, which has been accompanied since it was detected in its early stages. Several measures were imple-mented, namely the upgrade of the monitoring system and the use of numerical models for analysis of the dam

The safety evaluation of concrete arch dams requires validated numerical procedures capable of representing the dynamic interaction between the dam and the reservoir during a seismic event. The proposed numerical model employs a discrete element formulation, which is ulti-mately intended to represent the potential dynamic slip of discontinuities in the rock mass foun-dation. The present paper focuses on the dam-water interaction modelling, which is a key com-ponent of the dynamic response of concrete arch dams. A fluid element discretization of the res-ervoir domain was adopted, based on Cundall's mixed discretization technique, which provides a displacement formulation for time domain analysis. Simple validation tests confirmed the ac-curacy of the solution. The model was also applied to a case study involving a recently built arch dam in Northern Portugal. In situ measurements of the dam dynamic response were made by two methods: forced vibration tests, performed before and after filling the reservoir, and a continuous monitoring systems installed in the structure. These measurements provided exten-sive data that allowed the dynamic characterization of the concrete arch structure and the vali-dation of the numerical model.

The safety control of dams under operation is based on the comparison between observed data, from monitoring systems, and numerical data from mathematical models developed to simulate/predict the dam behaviour over time. For the direct analysis of observed data semi-statistical models for effects separation are usually adopted, namely of the type HST or HSCT. For dam behaviour simulation/prediction Finite Element Method (FEM) models, based on the fundamental equations of structural mechanics, are mostly used.In order to detect the abnormal behaviour derived from the pathological effects, e.g. concrete swelling effects, it is necessary to use a robust HSCT model capable of distinguishing normal time effects, related with viscoelasticity, from other time effects, e.g., related with concrete swelling. In this paper, a hybrid HSCT-FEM model is proposed, and it is applied to the case of Aguieira dam.

The concrete gravity dam proposed for the 15th International Benchmark Workshop on Numerical Analysis of dams (Theme A) was numerically studied using computational finite element modules developed by the authors for dam analysis. The computational models allow non-reflecting boundary conditions, free-field boundary conditions, fluid structure interaction following a Lagrangian displacement based formulation for the fluid and nonlinear material behaviour, both continuum damage and discrete crack approaches. The seismic analysis is carried out using a central difference method, a Newmark implicit integration scheme can be adopted for other types of loading. The computational modules have been used in the assessment of the behaviour of several operating dams. The natural frequencies and force vibration analysis (Case A), the seismic analysis for various reservoir levels following a linear elastic model (Case D) and non-linear seismic type analysis including nonlinear behaviour (Case E) are assessed and discussed using both 2D and 3D modules.

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:

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.