Dynamic analysis of anchored concrete linings of plunge pools loaded by high velocity jet impacts issuing from dam spillways
25 May 2010
A theoretical stochastic approach is presented for the structural analysis of plunge pool liners dynamically loaded by the impact of free-falling jets. Such an approach was used as the real behaviour of plunge pool liners is complex, and deterministic methods usually fail to represent the true response of the system. This general approach can easily be used in design practice, given the random characteristics of the loading. Based on the pressure fluctuations measured in the laboratory under prototype conditions, a general model for the stochastic loading of the liner is established. Using simplified random analysis, dynamic magnification factors are calculated as a function of the design load level and safety margin. The results indicate sensitivity of the magnification factor regarding the transient loading characteristics, as mainly the frequency content, which are not taken into account in classic deterministic approaches. Furthermore, the influence of the structural properties of the anchored plunge pool lining on the response is also studied.
