Reclamation's approach to analyzing concrete dams

摘要

To assess the condition of its concrete dams, the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation is turning to nonlinear analysis. This type of analysis is different from linear structural analysis or limit equilibrium analysis because it can account for damage and subsequent loss of load-carrying capability, says Barbara Mills-Bria, P.E., a structural engineer with Reclamation.