A contact model considering the nonlinear behaviors of transverse joints

Based on the practical problems existing in dynamic research on high arch dams,a contact model is established considering the nonlinear effects of keyslots which can reflect the actual mechanical characteristics of transverse joints.At the same time,it is programmed and realized by the APDL of ANSYS.This model is applied in the simulation of transverse joints of Xiluodu Arch Dam,taking into account the influence of strong earthquake.Through comparisons of arch dam dynamic behaviors under four loading scenarioes,some useful results are obtained.The numerical experimentation shows that transverse joints weaken the integrity of arch dam,release stress in arch direction,and the opening distances in the middle joints are grater than those of side ones during the process of earthquake.