Design and Analysis of Arch Dam With Autocad, Ansys and Google Earth Software: A Case Study

ISSN (Online) 2393-8021
IARJSET ISSN (Print) 2394-1588
International Advanced Research Journal in Science, Engineering and Technology

ISO 3297:2007 Certified
Vol. 5, Issue 7, July 2018
Design and Analysis of Arch Dam with

AutoCAD, ANSYS and Google Earth Software:
A Case Study
Shashank Nayan1, Arijit Kumar Banerji2, Md Asif SK3
B. Tech, Civil Engineering, BCREC, Durgapur, India1
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Dr. B. C. Roy Engineering College, Durgapur, India2
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Coochbehar Government Engineering College, India3
Abstract: In this research, a site is chosen for construction of dam, and its geotechnical data has been collected through
online state government websites. It included topographical feature of the site, type of rock, soil, annual flow of river,
annual rainfall. A narrow valley between the border of states Bihar and Jharkhand have been found through Google
Map application software and we found the river Mohana flows throughout this valley. The abutment which is best
suited for holding arms of the arch dam has been found here. Then Canon dimensions are known from google earth
software. After it elementary dimension of the proposing arch dam is calculated using some empirical formulas [5].
These dimensions are plotted in AutoCAD worksheet and by joining these points we got the design. Most of the layout
plans are taken from google earth software which may vary to the actual context of the realm. Each and every geo-co-
ordinate with precision is noted down. Finally, a finite element analysis software which is ANSYS, is used for the
checking the stability of structure. It included calculation of equivalent stress and total displacement. This
computational analysis software shows the simulation of stress generated under different loading condition. We have
done this case study as there is not a single IS (Indian Standard) code for “Arch Dam Design” and we haven’t proper
methodology for this type of construction. We found that by using three different kind of advanced software
(AutoCAD, ANSYS & Google Earth) we could propose or plan for construction of this hydraulic structure. After
verification of the results obtained in the pre-investigation we could go further by doing actual survey, geotechnical
testing, making lab reports etc. It would be time and money saving opportunity for an engineer to do all the basic
calculation sitting in front of screen which would minimise the risk of a wrong decision.
Keywords: Storage reservoir, AutoCAD, ANSYS, Double Curvature Arch Dam, Google Earth
I. INTRODUCTION
An arch dam is a concrete dam that is in shape of curved spoon. It is designed to resist hydrostatic pressure by the arch
action. It is most suitable for narrow gorges or canyons with steep walls of stable rock to support the structure and
stresses. Through google earth we have searched so many sites. [10]In general, arch dams are classified based on the
ratio of the base thickness to the structural height (b/h) as: Thin, for b/h less than 0.2,Medium-thick, for b/h between 0.2
and 0.3Thick, for b/h ratio over 0.3.Another classification with respect to their structural height are: Low dams up to
100 feet (30 m),Medium high dams between 100–300 ft. (30–91 m),High dams over 300 ft. (91 m).
Site Exploration: The site is located at the boundary of states Bihar and Jharkhand. It is about 35 km away from Gaya
and 30 km from Hazaribagh. The river crossing through the valley is Mohana originating from Chatra district of
Jharkhand. The Mohana originates on Korambe Pahar on the Hazaribagh plateau near Bendi village, 19.3 kilometers
from Hazaribagh. It drains the upper part of the plateau. The Mohana then runs north past Itkhori, descends into the
Gaya Plains, and crosses the Grand Trunk Road / NH 2 at the foot of the Danua pass. Near Itkhori it intersects the
Chatra-Chauparan Road with its wide and sandy channel. 3.2 kilometers below Bodh Gaya it unites with the Lilajan
(Niranjana) to form the Falgu. When it goes past the Barabar Hills, it again takes the name of Mohana, and divides
into two branches.
Fig. 1 Google earth image of site location
Copyright to IARJSET DOI 10.17148/IARJSET.2018.5717 102


II. GEOTECHNICAL REPORT
 Waterfall :In the long range of hills south of the border of Gaya district, well inside Chatra district, there are
two waterfalls of the Mohana. The first at Tamasin is at the head of deep valley where the river plunges abruptly down
a high steep face of black rock in to a shady pool below and then dashes down a gloomy gorge of strangely contorted
rock. Tamasin is 26 kilometers (16 mi) from Chatra town. This waterfall is near about Armedag having geological co-
ordinates latitude 24°20'25.02"N and longitude 85° 5'46.00"E
 Mohana River Origin of River: Korambe Pahar, Hazaribagh , Origin place: Bendi Village ,Plateau: North-
Chotanagpur Plateau ,Sub- Plateau: Hazaribagh Plateau (lower Hazaribagh Plateau)
 Types of Rock: Archaean metamorphic rocks, Schist, Gneisses, Granites, Quartzite, Meta basic granites.
Strength of Rock: Hard and Soft, Black hard Rock, Can Hearted Rock and Miconites Color Of rock: Black, Filler and
grey .
 River Basin: Damodar Climate: The district receives an annual rainfall of 1250 mm in rainy season. In
summer season rainfall 1-2 mm. Temperature-25 degree, on summer it goes to 46 degrees maximum, in winter 2 -3
degree
 Availability of Material: Easily Available, many cement bricks and steel industries are situated around site.
Spillway Size and Location: Less populated and distributed in two ways after some distance of site. So, there is no
problem of evacuation of water during rainy season on emergency.
 Earthquake Zone: Zone –III, Moderate damage Risk Zone, MSKVII, IS Code Assign 0.16 for Zone 3 Other
Consideration:
 Site characteristic: V-shaped Valley Type of Soil: Alisol, Ecetisol and . The width of the valley is 400.39 m
and the height of the valley is 99.99 m, so b/h ratio is 4.003 which is less than 6. The valley is in V shape with slope 45°
having central angle 130°33’.The parameters at this site tells that a medium thick arch dam could be possible here.
Reservoir Planning: The figure (Fig. 2) shows the plan layout of storage reservoir. It has been plotted in CAD
worksheet, showing co-ordinates of the reservoir. The reservoir is being divided into three units for easier calculation.
Storage-1, Storage-2 and Storage-3. The SG-1 & SG-2 is the deepest and the SG-3 is the longest one. The catchment
areas are being calculated by area command. Storage Area has 1,89,890.588 sq.m, Storage area-2 has catchement
2,54,476.595 sq.m and Storage area-3 has 5,33,120.240 sq.m
Fig. 2 Survey Plan Layout of Reservoir
Water Containment: These graphs are from collected from the google earth. The X-axis represent the distance from
the reference point and Y-axis shows the elevation above the sea level. Although contouring is done before construction
of the dam using total station and field measuring equipment. we have found out an approximate contour profile for the
site chosen.
Fig. 3 Upper Rock Bed Contour


Fig. 4 Lower River Bed Contour
This figure (Fig. 5) tells about water containing capacity of the reservoir and arch dam. The elevation profile data of
river bed (lower) and rock bed (upper) are taken from the google earth. These graphs are being inserted in cad sheet and
by superimposing these graph we got the water containment profile. The brown color shows the river bed level, the area
below blue line shows the water containment, and green area shows the valleys along the river. The red picture shows
the orientation and positioning of the arch dam. The structure is positioned where B/H ratio is less than 0.5. (B-Breadth
of the valley and H -height of the valley at that site.) Note: 1mile = 1609 meters
Fig. 5 Water Containment Profile of River Bed and Upper Rock Bed
III. DESIGN OF DOUBLE CURVATURE ARCH DAM
Canon Calculations: The canon location is first determined by the parameters fulfilling the possibility of holding the
abutment. The canon rock should be so strong to uphold the structure. Then after knowing the co-ordinates (Fig. 2.0),
we find out L1 and L2 of the canon. Where L1 is straight line distance at crest elevation between abutments excavated to
sound rock and L2 is straight line distance at 0.15H above base between abutments excavated to sound rock. Where H is
assumed height of dam. USP- Upper Stream Projections, DSP-Downstream Projection.
Fig.6 Calculation Sheet for Canon
Elementary Profile [5]: Double curvature arch dam with constant center is designed here. Empirical formulas for
Crown Cantilever Thickness: The shape of the crown cantilever is defined by three thicknesses, upstream projections
(USP) and downstream projections (DSP) at the crest, at the base, and at 0.45 H elevation by the following empirical
formulas (Fig. 2.0) Data collected from rock-river bed elevation profile, L1 = 524.88 m, L2= 267.65 m.
Crest thickness Tc: 0.01. (H+ 1.2L1) ⇨ 0.01(94.84 +1.2
×524.88) ⇨ 7.246, U.S.P =0.0, DSP = 7.426
𝟏
𝐇 𝟑
𝐇 𝟒𝟎𝟎
Thickness at base: TB ⇨ ⇨ 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟏𝟐𝐇. 𝐋𝟏 . 𝐋𝟐 .
𝟒𝟎𝟎


1
94.84 3
94.84 400
⇨ 0.0012 × 94.84 × 524.88 × 267.66
400
⇨3 0.0012 × 94.84 × 13321026.1 × 0.710

⇨ (11349.51)1/3
» 22.456 » 22.46 (Approx)
At Base, USP: 0.67 TB = 0.67 × 22.46 = 15.05 m
DSP: 0.33TB = 0.33× 22.46 = 7.41 m
Thickness at 0.45 H: T0.45H = 0.95 TB

⇨ 0.95 × 22.46 ⇨ 21.337
Height = 42.67 Min DSP =0.0, Max. DSP = 21.337
Note: These empirical formulas are valid from range, Crest -0.91 – 25.6032 m; Base – 1.5 – 199.34m. And the values
obtained are within limit, so it can be accepted.
Fig 7 Elementary Design of Double curvature arch dam
IV. LOAD CALCULATIONS
The loads are applied in ANSYS mechanical as an input parameter of the functions available in static structural. These
are hydrostatic pressure, wind pressure, uplift pressure, gravity load, earthquake load etc.
Gravity Load: It is the self-weight of the structure. It is not well defined in case of arch dam structure. It is dependent
on the construction type whether cantilever or horizontal arches.
Table I
Acceleration X Y Z
m/s2 -9.81 0 1.2
Hydrostatic Pressure: The pressure generated by the river water on the upstream face. Hydrostatic acceleration has
three components in X, Y, Z. The hydrostatic acceleration data has been adjusted with water-depth pressure formula.
Note: Fluid density-1000 kg/m3, symbol “e” in table mean exponent of ten.
Table II
Hydrostatic Acceleration X Y Z
2
m/s -6.85 0 1.2
Table III
Pressure Min. Max
ANSYS 2.909e+5 9.18e+5
Math Calculation 1.32e+5 9.30e+5


Wind Pressure: The wind pressure is calculated according to IS 875, under surface effect parameter acting toward
downstream face.
TABLE IV
Vb(m/s) K1 K2 K3 K 4 Pz =
(pa)0.6Vz2
39 1.0 1.26 1.0 1.0 1448.84
Earthquake Load: According to IS 1893, the earthquake acceleration has been applied here in terms of fraction of
acceleration due to gravity. Note: Silt Pressure and uplift pressure has not been calculated due to lack of data.
TABLE V
Seismic acc. X(0.5g) Y(0.2g) Z(0.1g)
2
m/s -4.905 1.962 0.981
V. STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
ANSYS is a finite element analysis software, used in solving complex problem in engineering. There are so many
forces or load acting on the structure simultaneously which creates difficulty in solving equilibrium equation and any
slight deviation in calculation will produce major deflection in the result. We have to calculate so many possibilities of
nature’s entities which would affect the stability and life of the structure. For example, change in wind pressure,
atmospheric pressure, temperature, solar radiation hydrostatic pressure, uplift pressure, silt pressure etc. Accounting
these factors, we could easily simulate and know different results like stress, strain produced. without actual creating
the model and situation. We have used static structural analysis engine. The CAD model which was designed earlier is
imported in the ANSYS space claim. The concrete properties have been feed in engineering data. All the material
properties are again given in this workspace and after verification of dimension detail, mass properties, material, then it
is transferred to mechanical solver. Element size about 10 m is chosen and meshing is done. Then support applied at
abutments and base, different loads (hydrostatic, wind pressure), environmental conditions have been assigned to the
existing model. After this in solution section different results are obtained like as equivalent stress, stress intensity and
total deformation. Note: Special attention should be considered about direction of applied load.
Model Description: Geometry has great influence in safety and economy of arch dams. Traditionally, shape design of
an arch dam is based on the experience of the designer, model tests and trial and error procedures. To get a better shape,
the designer should select several alternative schemes with various patterns and modify them to obtain a number of
feasible shapes. The best shape considering the economy of design, structural considerations, safety, etc. is selected as
the final shape. The shape of the dam obtained in this way is feasible but not necessarily optimum or even good.
Table VI Model Description

Material
Assignment Concrete
Nonlinear Effects Yes
Thermal Strain Effects Yes
Bounding Box
Length X 82.826 m
Length Y 221.43 m
Length Z 94.837 m
Properties
Volume 4.4031e+005 m³
Mass 1.0127e+009 kg
Centroid X 59.123 m
Centroid Y -111.72 m
Centroid Z 41.176 m
Moment of Inertia Ip1 4.6127e+012 kg·m²
Mesh

Nodes 3035
Elements 500
Size(m) 10
Table VII Concrete Properties
Young's 2.73e+10 Bulk 1.52e+10

Modulus Modulus
Pa pa
Poisson's 0.20 Shear 1.41e+10
Ratio Modulus
pa
Density kg/m3 2300 Thermal- 22
Strain
Reference
̊C
Ultimate 3e + 07 Specific 879
Strength Heat
Compressive J kg −1 C −1
Equivalent Stress: Equivalent stress is often used in design work because it allows any arbitrary three-dimensional
stress state to be represented as a single positive stress value. This is the most important result in analysis of arch dam.
The stress generated at abutments (supports) and base is higher which means that support should have sufficient
strength to resist the stress generated.
Table VII
Unit Minimum Maximum Average
N/m2 54151 7.717e+6 2.895e+006
Fig.8 Equivalent stress generation on downstream face
Fig.9 Equivalent stress generation on upstream face

The maximum stress generated is 7.17 N/mm2 and average stress is 2.89 N/mm2. Hence permissible value of concrete
strength required should be 10 N/mm2 and considering the factor of safety for existing dam which is 2.0 under normal
working condition (compressive), so ultimate strength of concrete required is 20 N/mm 2or M20.


Total Deformation: Total deformation is the resultant deformation of the model in X, Y, Z axis. This parameter tells
about geometrical change in shape of the arches. The red area shows maximum deformation as it is in the crest of the
dam. It would result in slight tilting of the crest mid part towards downstream face
Fig.10 Total deformation generated on downstream face
Fig.11 Total deformation generated on upstream face
Table VIII
Unit Minimum Maximum Average
m 0. 3.710e-02 9.005e-03
VI. CONCLUSION
By equivalent stress result we could easily choose grade of cement required which can resist the load acting on the
structure. We could easily check the total deformation whether they are in limit or not. If we have to go for further
analysis, we could build a prototype or working model and by testing it on small scale we could easily predict the future
possibility of the hydraulic structure. It is the simplified method for planning of arch dam which can be used further for
making DPR (Detailed Project Report) and doing geotechnical investigation & experiments if required. We could also
calculate the cost of structure and could compare with other hydraulic structure cost.
REFERENCES
[1]. E. Edet and A. S. Ekwere. U.N. Umoren, Geotechnical Assessment of a Dam Site: A Case Study of Nkari Dam, South Eastern Nigeria. Journal
of Earth Sciences and Geotechnical Engineering, vol. 6, no.2, 2016, 73-88 ISSN: 1792-9040 (print), 1792-9660 (online) Science press Ltd,
2016.
[2]. Aled Hughes, Glenn Tarbox, Brian Sadden, Bryan Carey, Using the trial load method to optimize the feasibility design of Watan Dam, 2016
[4]. Yusof Ghanaat, Theoretical Manual for Analysis of Arch Dams; by; QUEST Structures; US Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment
Station. July 1993, Pages 6.7 to 6.10
[5]. Jerzy W. Salamon, Ph.D., Design of Double-Curvature Arch Dams; Planning, Appraisal, Feasibility Level (Final Report scheduled for FY 2013),
Technical Memorandum No. EM36-86-68110 (In progress). 2013.Pages 2-10,46,48
[6]. Wikipedia, Mohana River [Online] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohana_River
[7]. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Division of Dam Safety and Inspections Washington, Engineering guidelines for the evaluation of
hydropower projects, DC 20426, Chapter 11, October 1999
[8]. Lindemark J. Aasheim, E. E & Multiconsult AS, Oslo, Norway Mork, R.O. & Bjønnes, T. Otra Kraft DA, Sarvsfossen Dam – Design of a
Norwegian Concrete Arch Dam, Hydropower'15 Stavanger, Norway 15-16 June 2015
[9]. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-ET Washington, Geotechnical Investigations, EM 1110-1-1804,1 Jan 2001
[10]. Wikipedia, Arch dam,,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arch_dam

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ISSN (Online) 2393-8021

IARJSET ISSN (Print) 2394-1588

International Advanced Research Journal in Science, Engineering and Technology