An actual case based analysis on failure modes and paths for gravity dam

Based on the typical cases of dam failures,the failure causations of gravity dams are summarized,and then their failure modes and paths are analyzed and discussed in accordance with the operation mechanism of them.The analysis shows that the main factors of the influences upon the failures are overtopping,foundation defects and war.On the bases of both the failure statistics and the failure analysis,three types of failure modes and eleven types of failure paths are concluded and given herein as well.