Thermal-Transient Analysis of Dams Using the Finite Element Method: Case Study Block A-7 (Spillway) of the ITAIPU Hydroelectric Plant

Resumo

The structural behavior of a concrete dam due to thermal variation is an important topic studied in the
literature because high thermal gradients influence the performance, strength and structural stability of the dam.
Currently, there are several methods to estimate the behavior of concrete structures in the early ages and also
during their useful life. Due to the complexity of structural analysis, it is necessary to implement a methodology
using programs based on the Finite Element Methods (FEM). A case study was developed in a block of the ITAIPU
Hydroelectric Power Plant. A thermal-transient analysis was performed in block A-7 of the Spillway during the
years 1982 to 1985. The surface thermometers data were used to determine the boundary conditions in thermal
simulations. Solar incidence was also considered on each side of the block. In order to calibrate, the temperatures
recorded by the internal thermometers were used and compared with the results simulations performed in the
ANSYS program. The results were validated through the percentage difference, which is less than 10%, justifying
the use of the thermal model presented.