FULL COUPLED ANALYSIS OF SEEPAGE-STRESS FIELDS FOR HIGH ARCH DAM BASED ON COMSOL MULTIPHYSICS

Based on M language offered by COMSOL Multiphysics,a full coupled analysis model was developed, and the corresponding calculating program was complied. And then,a three-dimensional finite element model of an arch dam located on Yellow River was established. The coupled seepage-stress field was compared with uncoupled condition under a selected reservoir operation case. The seepage field,stress field and displacement field were analyzed for deep understanding of the significance of coupling analysis in the high arch dam. The results showed the same distribution of seepage,stress and displacement fields in those two cases. However, compared with the uncoupled case,the equipotential lines of seepage field were close to downstream. Every displacement component increased at different rates,the tensile stress of the upstream rock increased and the compressive stress of the downstream rock also increased in the coupled case. The uplift pressure increased in the foundation and it was not beneficial to the stability of the dam. So,it is necessary to consider the coupled seepage-stress effect for high arch dam.