Mechanisms of Cracking and Stress Control During the Construction Phase of Concrete Face Rockfill Dams in Cold Regions

The construction phase of concrete face rockfill dams is often marred by prominent panel cracking issues, with a lack of reliable foundations for anti-cracking design. To control tensile stresses and enhance crack resistance during construction, this study focuses on the primary factors influencing concrete panel stress in cold regions and the standards for crack resistance control. Through sensitivity analysis using simulation methods and incorporating case studies from typical projects, the mechanisms behind cracking were elucidated, and relevant recommendations were proposed. The research indicates that environmental temperatures in cold regions play a dominant role in load-related stresses, with daily temperature variations and cold waves acting as inducing factors. The impact of drying shrinkage is minimal under current conditions of adequate water curing, and the effect of panel deflection deformation is small. Regarding constraints, the influence of the bedding constraint is significant, whereas reinforcement measures have a minimal effect. Among performance parameters, casting temperature has a pronounced impact, as do autogenous volume changes and the coefficient of thermal expansion, while the influence of the adiabatic temperature rise varies insignificantly within a certain range. This study holds significant importance for the prevention of cracking in concrete face rockfill dam panels.