Deep Stability Evaluation of High-Gravity Dam under Combining Action of Powerhouse and Dam

AbstractThe rock foundation of a gravity dam is usually cut into slide blocks by the structural surfaces. Its stability is controlled by the characteristics and the combining action of these structural surfaces. The failure of a gravity dam can be caused by the destruction or large deformation of local rocks under the condition of certain loads. The coupling of continuous-discontinuous deformation is a typical characteristic of the process. As a new design idea, the powerhouse and dam are combined into an integer with one structural pattern to improve the antisliding stability of the gravity dam. The external loads are undertaken together by the powerhouse and dam. The loads acting on the dam can be transferred partly to the powerhouse, and the powerhouse weight and tail water pressure can increase the dam’s stability. The optimal design of a gravity dam section can be implemented, decreasing the project quantity, and reducing construction costs. This design idea has been adopted by the Yangtze Three Gorg...