Study on temperature and stress distribution characteristics of super high arch dam under solar radiation

Abstract

[Objective] Researching on the temperature and stress field distribution characteristics as well as mechanisms of super high arch dams under the influence of solar radiation is of great significance for crack prevention in concrete during the operation period. [Methods] An equivalent calculation method was proposed for solar radiation considering shading effects. Taking the Wudongde arch dam as a case study, the study simulates and predicts long-term temperature and stress field variations by equivalently converting solar radiation on dam surfaces into local temperature increments, while accounting for shading effects from clouds, terrain, and insulation materials. [Results] The analytical result demonstrate that under solar radiation, the dam surface temperature increases by 2~5℃ with localized first principal stress elevation of 0.5 MPa. The arch dam surface undergoes integrated temperature rise due to solar radiation absorption, generating discernible temperature gradients near the surface. The left bank downstream surface experiences lesser shading effects, maintaining generally higher temperature and stress fields compared to the right bank. [Conclusion] Although shading reduces total solar radiation reaching the dam surface, it amplifies temperature distribution disparities. Implementing zonal protection strategies is recommended to prevent dam surface cracking caused by non-uniform solar radiation distribution. By elucidating the evolutionary patterns of temperature and stress fields in Wudongde arch dam under solar radiation, the findings establish theoretical foundations for long-term operational safety and provide maintenance references for similar hydraulic projects.

Keywords

solar radiation / equivalent calculation / crack prevention / influence factor / Wudongde Arch Dam / dam temperature / stress / protective measures