Modal and Structural Analysis of Section E, composed by Buttress blocks, including the Hollow Gravity block of Itaipu Dam

Resumo

This work presents a numerical computational analysis methodology of dams using
experimental dynamic tests and instrumental monitoring data to calibrate and validate the numerical
models. A case study was carried out on part of the Itaipu dam, composed by buttress and hollow gravity
blocks. The model allows to analyze the influence between blocks, the dynamic properties and the
displacements due to the hydrostatic pressure of the reservoir and uplift. Dynamic field tests were
performed using accelerometers on each block of the dam to determine the experimental natural
frequency and the mode of vibration. These data were used to determine the boundary conditions and to
perform the calibration of the numerical model through the dynamic properties. Reservoir level and
piezometer data were used to determine loading conditions. Finally, the displacements of the model were
compared with the data from the direct pendulum and the joints measure instrument. The results are
satisfactory and show the complexity of a model composed of several independent blocks.