Investigation of flood-relief induced vibration of high arch dams by the hydroelastic model

Using the Goupitan high arch dam as an example and by means of a 1:150 scale hydroelactic model, this paper investigates the dam vibration induced by concentrated releasing flood over/through the dam body and energy dissipation in the stilling basin. The hydroelastic model made of heavy rubber provides a similarity of interactions generated from reservoir water, foundations, dam bodies and fluctuating pressure loads. It can reflect the coordinated similitude of hydraulic and structural mechanics. The dam responses and fluctuating pressures under various working conditions are measured and influences of flood-relief induced vibration on dam safety are assessed by using the model test results.