Assessment on safety and performance of super-high arch dam with asymmetric foundation and its reinforcement effect identification

Arch dams mainly rely on abutment on both banks to maintain stability. The asymmetry of foundation geology and topography is a critical issue that affects the safety and performance of arch dams. This work is a contribution to reveal the influence mechanism of asymmetric foundation on the safe of the super-high arch dam, and evaluate its reinforcement effect, through combining the comparative study method and the relationship model. Firstly, the performance evolution of three arch dams with different degrees of symmetry under normal and overload conditions is explored. The asymmetric foundation can cause asymmetric deformation and stress on the arch dam, which may cause damage in local areas, and affect the overall stability. Secondly, the reinforcement measures considered to improve the asymmetric foundation are evaluated. According to the overload failure process, a set of safety factors is proposed to evaluate the adaptability of the reinforced arch dam to the asymmetric foundation. Setting cushions and strengthening the foundation can effectively adapt the arch dam to the complex foundations. Finally, the relationship model is established to quantify the safety factor of the arch dam in real time. The identification and prediction of reinforcement effect of the Jinping I arch dam are fulfilled through the relationship model between safety and load.