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27 pages, 5806 KB

Open AccessArticle

Stability Analysis of Concrete Dam Foundations Using a Particle/Surface Interface Model for Large Displacements

by Nuno Monteiro Azevedo, Maria Luísa Braga Farinha and Sérgio Oliveira

Infrastructures 2026, 11(4), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures11040122 - 1 Apr 2026

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In concrete dam foundations, failure mechanisms are primarily influenced by natural rock discontinuities, the dam foundation interface, or weaker strata. This paper proposes a large displacement contact model (LDCM) based on spherical particle/surface interactions, which is computationally more robust and simpler than contact [...] Read more.

In concrete dam foundations, failure mechanisms are primarily influenced by natural rock discontinuities, the dam foundation interface, or weaker strata. This paper proposes a large displacement contact model (LDCM) based on spherical particle/surface interactions, which is computationally more robust and simpler than contact models that adopt the real block polyhedral geometry. To reduce computational costs, whenever possible, the contact interaction is defined in small displacements. The proposed LDCM is applied to a masonry arch under static loading and to the stability analysis of both a gravity dam and an arch dam. The results presented validate the proposed LDCM, and the numerical predictions are close to results obtained experimentally and closely match those obtained with a more complex polyhedral-based model. The advantages of the LDCM are highlighted, namely the decoupling of contact refinement from block refinement, which significantly reduces the computational costs for the masonry arch example. The relevance of adopting a LDCM to predict a physically accepted failure mode is emphasized for dam safety. Finaly, it is shown that the LDCM contact model can be readily adopted to assess the stability of complex dam foundation systems, with reasonable computational running times if a hybrid contact approach is used. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preserving Life Through Dams)

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19 pages, 11697 KB

Open AccessArticle

A CFD Description of the Breach Flow of an Overtopped Embankment Dam

by Rui M. L. Ferreira, Nuno M. C. Martins, Teresa Alvarez and Teresa Viseu

Infrastructures 2026, 11(2), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures11020057 - 9 Feb 2026

Viewed by 817

Abstract

We investigate the flow over a breached dam through combined measurements and numerical simulations, revealing key topological features of the mean flow, including separation and stagnation surfaces, attached vortices, secondary currents, and boundary layer development. PIV measurements of velocities are complemented with simulations [...] Read more.

We investigate the flow over a breached dam through combined measurements and numerical simulations, revealing key topological features of the mean flow, including separation and stagnation surfaces, attached vortices, secondary currents, and boundary layer development. PIV measurements of velocities are complemented with simulations with the interFoam solver of OpenFOAM-v2106 (URANS with k-ω SST closure model and rough-wall corrections). We show the development of the boundary layer over the crest, influenced by the breach crest wall curvature and strong lateral flow convergence. Three-dimensional separation is observed in the plunging pool. Two different attached vortices develop along the bottom and side walls of the breach, where underscouring is known to be strong. The first is associated with an adverse pressure gradient while the second results from the flow curvature imposed by the evolving geometry of the plunging pool. A counter rotating vortex pair is observed in the flow exiting the dam breach channel. We discuss the significance of these structures for hydraulic erosion and underscouring. We also provide recommendations for CFD modeling of dam breaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preserving Life Through Dams)

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16 pages, 5421 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analytical Solutions of Free Surface Evolution Within Originally Dry, Coarse-Grain-Sized Embankment Dam Materials

by Francesco Federico and Chiara Cesali

Infrastructures 2026, 11(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures11010023 - 12 Jan 2026

Viewed by 450

Abstract

Tightness of homogeneous embankment dams is often ensured by means of upstream water barriers, such as bituminous concrete facings, concrete slabs, shotcrete membranes, metallic sheets, geomembranes, and cement blankets. The stability analysis of these dams, especially in areas with high seismicity, must include [...] Read more.

Tightness of homogeneous embankment dams is often ensured by means of upstream water barriers, such as bituminous concrete facings, concrete slabs, shotcrete membranes, metallic sheets, geomembranes, and cement blankets. The stability analysis of these dams, especially in areas with high seismicity, must include the hydraulic and mechanical effects resulting from an extensive, sudden cracking of the impervious facing. To this purpose, in this paper, simple, original analytical solutions are proposed to estimate the position of the exit point on the downstream slope of the dam, the maximum height of the saturation front at the downstream face, and the time required for the saturation front to reach the downstream face. These variables generally depend on several factors, such as the geometry of the dam, homogeneity or heterogeneity, the permeability coefficient of the dam body materials, and resistance laws to describe the seepage flow. The high number of these factors requires the development of advanced 2D/3D FEM analyses, often computationally heavy and complex to implement. Although approximate, the proposed solutions may however allow us to define the role of the various factors and their interaction, to quickly deduce the main, preliminary design indications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preserving Life Through Dams)

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19 pages, 18746 KB

Open AccessArticle

Seismic Safety Verification of a 100-Year-Old Masonry Arch Gravity Concrete Dam Using 3D Dynamic Analysis

by Naoki Iwata, Ryouji Kiyota, Hideaki Kawasaki and Masaharu Kurihara

Infrastructures 2026, 11(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures11010021 - 12 Jan 2026

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Abstract

The Hisayamada Dam (22.5 m high, 75.4 m long), constructed in 1924 as a water supply facility, is a masonry arch–gravity concrete dam with a slender arch shape. Although it was the first theoretically designed arch-type dam in Japan, seismic forces were not [...] Read more.

The Hisayamada Dam (22.5 m high, 75.4 m long), constructed in 1924 as a water supply facility, is a masonry arch–gravity concrete dam with a slender arch shape. Although it was the first theoretically designed arch-type dam in Japan, seismic forces were not considered at the time of construction. This study evaluates its seismic performance using a three-dimensional (3D) dynamic Finite Element Method (FEM) in accordance with current Japanese governmental guidelines. A detailed 3D model incorporating the dam body, surrounding topography, foundation, and reservoir was developed, and expected earthquake motions in three directions were applied simultaneously. The analysis showed that localized tensile stress exceeding the tensile strength occurred near the upstream heel of the dam base. However, these stress concentrations were limited to small regions and did not form continuous damage paths across the dam body. Based on the linear dynamic analysis and engineering judgment, the overall structural integrity and water storage function of the dam are considered to be maintained. Additional analyses were conducted by varying the elastic modulus of the foundation rock and dam concrete to clarify the influence of material stiffness on seismic response and stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preserving Life Through Dams)

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19 pages, 4731 KB

Open AccessArticle

In Situ Estimation of Breach Outflow Hydrographs from Fluvial Dike Failures: A Methodology Integrating Real-Time Monitoring and Physical Modelling

by Ricardo Jónatas, Sílvia Amaral, Rui Aleixo, João Bilé Serra and Rui M. L. Ferreira

Infrastructures 2025, 10(12), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10120335 - 5 Dec 2025

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Abstract

Embankment structures in civil engineering, such as earth dams and fluvial dikes, have a crucial role in society. These structures, often used for water storage and mining tailing containment, are cost-effective due to their reliance on locally sourced materials. While the failure of [...] Read more.

Embankment structures in civil engineering, such as earth dams and fluvial dikes, have a crucial role in society. These structures, often used for water storage and mining tailing containment, are cost-effective due to their reliance on locally sourced materials. While the failure of concrete structures is not so frequent but often lead to severe consequences, embankment structures, particularly fluvial dikes, are more prone to breach and the consequences vary from mild to catastrophic, depending on the proximity to human populations. Worldwide, some fluvial dike failures have resulted in catastrophic outcomes for human lives, the local economy and the environment. This paper aims to develop a methodology to calculate in situ breach outflow hydrographs, resorting to real-time, non-intrusive and friendly access technology. The goal is to provide a practical platform for developing and testing integrated systems applicable to prototype failure cases. An accurate, real-time hydrograph estimation capacity improves risk assessment. The proposed methodology deploys, in a medium-scale experimental facility, common technology and data processing techniques to characterize the evolution of a fluvial dike failure. The morphodynamic and hydrodynamic components influencing the in situ breach outflow hydrograph are assessed by characterizing, in real-time, the breach morphology at the surface and underwater, the surface velocity maps and the corresponding cartesian coordinates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preserving Life Through Dams)

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17 pages, 4362 KB

Open AccessArticle

Developing Statistical and Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network Models for a Concrete Dam Dynamic Behaviour Interpretation

by Andrés Mauricio Guzmán Sejas, Sérgio Pereira, Juan Mata and Álvaro Cunha

Infrastructures 2025, 10(11), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10110301 - 9 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2002

Abstract

This work focuses on the dynamic monitoring behaviour of concrete dams, with a specific emphasis on the Baixo Sabor dam as a case study. The main objective of the dynamic monitoring is to continuously observe the dam’s behaviour, ensuring it remains within expected [...] Read more.

This work focuses on the dynamic monitoring behaviour of concrete dams, with a specific emphasis on the Baixo Sabor dam as a case study. The main objective of the dynamic monitoring is to continuously observe the dam’s behaviour, ensuring it remains within expected patterns and issuing alerts if deviations occur. The monitoring process relies on on-site instruments and behaviour models that use pattern recognition, thereby avoiding explicit dependence on mechanical principles. The undertaken work aimed to develop, calibrate, and compare statistical and machine learning models to aid in interpreting the observed dynamic behaviour of a concrete dam. The methodology included several key steps: operational modal analysis of acceleration time series, characterisation of the temporal evolution of observed magnitudes and influential environmental and operational variables, construction and calibration of predictive models using both statistical and machine learning methods, and the comparison of their effectiveness. Both Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network (MLP-NN) models were developed and tested. This work emphasised the development of several MLP-NN architectures. MLP-NN models with one and two hidden layers, and with one or more outputs in the output layer, were performed. The aim of this work is to assess the performance of MLP-NN models with different numbers of units in the output layer, in order to understand the advantages and disadvantages of having multiple models that characterise the observed behaviour of a single quantity or a single MLP-NN model that simultaneously learns and characterises the observed behaviour for multiple quantities. The results showed that while both MLR and MLP-NN models effectively captured and predicted the dam’s behaviour, the neural network slightly outperformed the regression model in prediction accuracy. However, the linear regression model is easier to interpret. In conclusion, both methods of linear regression and neural network models are suitable for the analysis and interpretation of monitored dynamic behaviour, but there are advantages in adopting a single model that considers all quantities simultaneously. For large-scale projects like the Baixo Sabor dam, Multilayer Perceptron Neural Networks offer significant advantages in handling intricate data relationships, thus providing better insights into the dam’s dynamic behaviour. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preserving Life Through Dams)

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17 pages, 3043 KB

Open AccessArticle

3D Effects on the Stability of Upstream-Raised Tailings Dams in Narrow Valleys

by Raul Conceição, Gonçalo Ferreira, Henrique Lopes and João Camões Lourenço

Infrastructures 2025, 10(10), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10100277 - 15 Oct 2025

Viewed by 976

Abstract

Tailings dams are unique structures due to the materials they store and the methods applied in their construction, often resulting in complex three-dimensional (3D) problems. Most current slope-stability analyses neglect the 3D effects without significant consequences. However, certain conditions, such as the valley [...] Read more.

Tailings dams are unique structures due to the materials they store and the methods applied in their construction, often resulting in complex three-dimensional (3D) problems. Most current slope-stability analyses neglect the 3D effects without significant consequences. However, certain conditions, such as the valley shape, the spatial variability of the tailings’ resistance, and the presence of internal dikes, may render the 2D simplification inadequate. For translational slides, the sliding-mass width-to-height ratio (W/H) is a reliable estimator of the 3D effects. However, it is unclear whether this geometric ratio is the most suitable for rotational slides, where the width of the sliding mass varies along its height. This paper presents a parametric study of the 3D effects of the dam’s height (H_M) and the valley shape, namely the abutments’ slope angle with the horizontal (β) and the thalweg width (L_M), on the overall stability of a tailings dam raised by the upstream method, by means of 2D and 3D Limit Equilibrium (LE) analyses. The study evaluates the dam stability using a straightforward and practical methodology, specifically the FS_3D to FS_2D ratio (R_3D/2D), to compare the results of the 3D and 2D analyses, adapting current state-of-the-art techniques originally for translational slides, focused on pre-defined, closed-form slip-surface geometry, to rotational ones where the main focus is the geometry of the whole structure as a physical constraint for the sliding mass. The results show that the model average width-to-height ratio (W_M,avr/H_M), developed in this study, may be a better estimator of the 3D effects for rotational slides than the W/H ratio. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preserving Life Through Dams)

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20 pages, 7094 KB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptive Warning Thresholds for Dam Safety: A KDE-Based Approach

by Nathalia Silva-Cancino, Fernando Salazar, Joaquín Irazábal and Juan Mata

Infrastructures 2025, 10(7), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10070158 - 26 Jun 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2091

Abstract

Dams are critical infrastructures that provide essential services such as water supply, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control. As many dams age, the risk of structural failure increases, making safety assurance more urgent than ever. Traditional monitoring systems typically employ predictive models—based on [...] Read more.

Dams are critical infrastructures that provide essential services such as water supply, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control. As many dams age, the risk of structural failure increases, making safety assurance more urgent than ever. Traditional monitoring systems typically employ predictive models—based on techniques such as the finite element method (FEM) or machine learning (ML)—to compare real-time data against expected performance. However, these models often rely on static warning thresholds, which fail to reflect the dynamic conditions affecting dam behavior, including fluctuating water levels, temperature variations, and extreme weather events. This study introduces an adaptive warning threshold methodology for dam safety based on kernel density estimation (KDE). The approach incorporates a boosted regression tree (BRT) model for predictive analysis, identifying influential variables such as reservoir levels and ambient temperatures. KDE is then used to estimate the density of historical data, allowing for dynamic calibration of warning thresholds. In regions of low data density—where prediction uncertainty is higher—the thresholds are widened to reduce false alarms, while in high-density regions, stricter thresholds are maintained to preserve sensitivity. The methodology was validated using data from an arch dam, demonstrating improved anomaly detection capabilities. It successfully reduced false positives in data-sparse conditions while maintaining high sensitivity to true anomalies in denser data regions. These results confirm that the proposed methodology successfully meets the goals of enhancing reliability and adaptability in dam safety monitoring. This adaptive framework offers a robust enhancement to dam safety monitoring systems, enabling more reliable detection of structural issues under variable operating conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preserving Life Through Dams)

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