Crack detection in concrete gravity dams using a genetic algorithm

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is to introduce an efficient procedure for crack detection in concrete gravity dams. A genetic algorithm and finite-element modelling are employed to perform the optimisation tasks. A two-dimensional cracked element is formulated for non-linear analysis. In this investigation, the kinematics of the discontinuous displacement field in a body with an internal discontinuity is utilised. Based on the suggested interpolation functions for the discrete segments, and also the element displacement field, the element stiffness matrix is calculated. Moreover, a genetic algorithm approach for crack identification is proposed, which can identify the location and magnitude of cracks in concrete gravity dams. By minimising the difference between the analytical responses given by the authors' element and the measured ones, the genetic algorithm identifies the crack. Finally, several numerical examples are analysed for the accuracy test and a few of them are presented here.