Spatial Action of Straight Gravity Dams in Narrow Valleys

Abstract

This paper shows how simply the spatial load carrying action of straight gravity dams in narrow valleys can be accounted for by grid analysis. This explains why in narrow valleys the measured deflections are always smaller than those calculated for independent cantilevers without considering grid action. The deflection of the central cantilever of the 285 m high Grande Dixence Dam in Switzerland is reduced by 27% due to grid action. Because of their construction in blocks and hence the possibility of later joint opening, the horizontal grid beams cannot withstand tension.