Research on anti-separation and anti-overturning of concrete block structures of a spillway with a protruding head during construction

Abstract

In concrete gravity dams, reinforced concrete, and its components, depending on the working conditions of the concrete in separate parts of the dam during the operation period, should be divided into concrete zones with different intensities. However, many projects choose to construct the spillway’s overhang to save concrete, still assuring working conditions while creating the most cost-effective cross-section of the spillway. Although this will result in a proper partition of the concrete, anchoring the connection between the blocks must be secured;otherwise, the block may separate and even become eccentric and spill over. This may result in objects falling,works being destroyed, and a significant safety danger. This study approaches to ensure the safety of spillwayswith overhanging blocks by calculating and analyzing the risk of block separation and overturning, therebygiving a suitable solution for pouring volume and creating the best anchor connection to keep the whole damsafe and stable during construction and operation.