ABSTRACT
A three-dimensional finite element analysis of and arch dam has been performed to assist in the evaluation of the safety of the dam/foundation ensemble. Stability is controlled by the presence of discontinuities belonging to well defined sets which have been modelled by zero-thickness joint elements. The analysis has been carried out in several stages simulating the initial stress stage, dam construction and hydrostatic loading. The evaluation of dam safety is based on the calculation of the factor of safety for various failure mechanisms using the stress distribution computed in the finite element analysis. From the examination of a large number of potential sliding surfaces, the most critical failure mechanisms have been identified.
