Critical Time Determination and Solar Radiation Effect Investigation of Arch Dams Through Mathematical and Experimental Thermal Analysis

摘要

In this study the thermal analysis of arch dams is investigated using finite element and Stucky-Derron methods for two Iranian dams, Dez and Karoon I. A novel procedure is proposed to calculate summer and winter critical time based on the finite element method. By considering all the ambient conditions, especially solar radiation, thermal stress and temperature distribution at the proposed and Stucky-Derron-based critical time, are compared with thermometer records retrieved from both dam sites. The final results indicate the accuracy of the finite element method, particularly in definition of a decent critical time. The necessity of the solar radiation effect consideration is also concluded.