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This paper 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

The 1:10 scale model of the 15th century Mustafa Pasha Mosque in Skopje, that underwent a comprehensiveshake table program, is modeled by the discrete elements approach. A rigid block model withnonlinear behavior concentrated at the joints was developed and calibrated by comparison with theobserved response. Time domain analyses of the discrete model were performed under the various levelsof dynamic excitation used in the shake table test. Under the lower levels of input, the time and frequencydomain characteristics of the shake table experimental response were fairly well simulated by thenumerical model. This model also predicted well the zones and the level of damages. For the higher inputlevels, the comparison was less satisfactory. Overall, the discrete element approach showed the capabilityto handle the dynamic nonlinear modeling of relatively complex masonry structures.

This work investigates tensile crack propagation in concrete gravity dams by using some recently developed numerical techniques (crack-path field and strain injection techniques). The work carefully addresses aspects related to mesh independence, robustness and computational cost, which are the main issues in fracture modeling. The novel technique consists of a procedure to insert, in the selected domain areas, specific strain fields for enhancing the performance of the underlying finite elements in modeling fracture. Representative numerical simulations of concrete dams show the accuracy and robustness of the methodology.

Block models have been shown to provide a realistic representation of the behavior of many types of masonry structures under static and dynamic loads. When the strength of the units is such that movements along the joints govern the behavior, it is acceptable to make the simplifying assumption that blocks act as rigid bodies. This assumption is particularly useful when dealing with seismic problems, for which the computational times for time domain analysis may be substantial. In this paper, the application of discrete element models for dynamic analysis of masonry structures is addressed. The emphasis is on the seismic behavior of block stone masonry, but the treatment is general to cover other types of masonry. First, the assumptions involved in the choice of a block representation are discussed, stressing in particular the case of rigid block models. Numerical issues are examined, including contact models, calculation of natural frequencies, time stepping algorithms, damping and boundary conditions. A review is presented of modeling examples published in the literature for various types of masonry structures. The choice of numerical representation and its main features are discussed for each case.

Much research in recent years has focused on the seismic analysis of concrete and earthfill dams,and few works have addressed the case of masonry dams. The structural behavior of masonrydams is controlled essentially by its discontinuous nature, which may induce significant nonlinearresponse during an intense earthquake. In this article, a numerical tool based on the Discrete ElementMethod is presented, aimed at the static, dynamic, and hydromechanical analysis of masonry gravitydams. The use of discontinuous models is mandatory for the study of failure mechanisms involvingthe masonry discontinuities, the dam-rock interface or the rock mass joints. The Discrete ElementMethod is able to assemble continuous and discontinuous meshes simultaneously in the same model,providing a versatile tool to consider various assumptions and levels of analysis, ranging from simplifiedto detailed structural representations. A comprehensive study of the seismic behavior of LagoaComprida Dam, located in Portugal, is presented. Both continuous and discontinuous models weredeveloped to assess the main failure mechanisms, including overstress, partial and global sliding,and overturning.

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

A computationally affordable modeling of dynamic fracture phenomena is performed in this study by using strain injectiontechniques and Finite Elements with Embedded strong discontinuities (E-FEM). In the present research, classical strain localizationand strong discontinuity approaches are considered by injecting discontinuous strain and displacement modes in the finite elementformulation without an increase of the total number of degrees of freedom. Following the Continuum Strong DiscontinuityApproach (CSDA), stress

A series of very shallowearthquakes occurred in the late afternoon ofMay 11, 2011 near the city ofLorca and 55 kmfromMurcia in Spain. The main shock (Mw5.2) occurred at 17:47 (UTC), causing9 deaths and over 250 injured with widespread damage and panic.The strong motion generated by the event was recorded in the town of Lorca near the epicenter.It was a short duration record with peak ground acceleration higher than 0.37 g. In the vicinity ofthe recorded motion (360 m), there is an obelisk composed of 11 frustums resting on a 1-m-highfoundation with a total height of 5.71 m. The general motion observed after the event was of theorder of 1 cm (translation) for most interfaces, while at the upper two, the motionwas of rotationof 2° to 4° in the counterclockwise direction seen from above.In order to understand the behavior of such a structure, numerical simulations of the obeliskwereperformed with the discrete element code 3DEC, employing a rigid block model. The deformationis assumed to be concentrated at the joints between the blocks, governed in the linear range by thejoint stiffness parameters, in the normal and shear directions. In the nonlinear range, a purelyfrictional behavior is adopted, without tensile strength. An elastic joint was introduced at thebase of the model, simulating the deformability of the foundation. The global model deformabilitywas calibrated by means of in situ dynamic characterization.Dynamic analyses were performed, taking into account the large displacement effects that governthe block rocking motion, applying the recorded seismic motion in the 3 directions. Parametricstudies were undertaken to assess the influence of the various input parameters. The modelresults are compared with the observed permanent displacements of the structure.

It is known that rigid circular particle models proposed in the literature do not properly reproduce therock friction angle and the rock tensile strength to compressive strength ratio. A 2D rigid particle model is herepresented which tries to overcome these issues while keeping the simplicity and the reduced computational costs characteristic of circular particle models. A particle generation algorithm is adopted which generates polygonal shape particles based on the Laguerre

The hydrodynamic interaction between a solid (dam and foundation) and a fluid(reservoir) should be considered whenever the reservoir is present. A fluid displacement-basedformulation is presented, and two fluid elements are proposed: an 8-node fluid cubic elementsub-integrated (F8N-1GP), and an 8-node mixed discretization cubic element formed by twoindependent 5 tetrahedra overlay (F8N-MDE). A forced vibration analysis, and a maximumdesign earthquake equivalent loading, are carried out in two different dams. The performanceof the proposed fluid displacement-based finite elements is compared with the performanceobtained with the degenerated solid (DS) concept, and with the simplified Westergaard addedmass approach. It is shown that the SD approach can lead to erroneous pressure values at thefluid domain, and that the penalty term which prevents circulation modes needs to be consideredwhen less regular meshes are adopted in the fluid discretization.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Neste 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.