Low-cement content gravity dam as an alternative for Pskem HPP

Abstract

In this paper, we consider the numerical justification of the possibility to construct a low-cement content concrete gravity dam as an alternative to the traditional solution with a rockfill dam in a Pskem HPP canyon on the river Pskem in Uzbekistan Republic. The calculation studies were performed using the finite element method (FEM), considering the non-linear (elastoplastic) behavior of concrete and foundation rock in the ANSYS software package. Seismic stability of structure was ascertained by means of time-dependent transient dynamic analysis in accordance with the implicit temporal scheme, since such approach allows to trace the development of plastic deformations in the structure and foundation during dynamic loading as well as to evaluate the possible adverse effects. Maximum design earthquake bicomponent accelerogram was involved as an input data for seismic stability analysis. According to the results of the study the conclusions were made about the possibility of construction of a high low-cement content concrete dam in geotechnical, hydrological and climatic conditions of the Pskem HPP site on the Pskem River as well as on the other HPPs of the Chirchik-Bozsu cascade in Uzbekistan Republic, which are now under design. The reported study was funded by RFBR, project number 20-38-90160.