Peridynamic analysis for failure modes of concrete gravity dam subjected to underwater blast load

A better understanding on failure characteristics of the concrete gravity dam, when subjected to underwater blast load, is significant and crucial for the operation evaluation and protection of dams. In this paper, a peridynamic modeling and numerical analysis for the underwater explosion failure of the concrete gravity dam is presented. The meso-structural characteristics of concrete are taken into account through a modified intermediately homogenized peridynamic (IH-PD) model, where the mechanical behavior of wet concrete is considered as well. The blast-induced failure of concrete is investigated through two benchmark examples, and the validation is established by comparing the available numerical results with corresponding experimental observations. Furthermore, the explosion response and failure mode of the concrete gravity dam subjected to underwater blast load are numerically simulated, and the effects of explosion equivalent, standoff distance, and detonation depth on the gravity dam are analyzed and discussed respectively. The results could be meaningful in the evaluation of safe operation and protection design for the concrete gravity dam