Modelling of crack propagation of gravity dams by scaled boundary polygons and cohesive crack model

Crack propagation in concrete gravity dams is investigated using scaled boundary polygons coupled with interface elements. The concrete bulk is assumed to be linear elastic and is modelled by the scaled boundary polygons. The interface elements model the fracture process zone between the crack faces. The cohesive tractions are modelled as side-face tractions in the scaled boundary polygons. The solution of the stress field around the crack tip is expressed semi-analytically as a power series. It reproduces the singular and higher-order terms in an asymptotic solution, such as the William’s eigenfunction expansion when the cohesive tractions vanish. Accurate results can be obtained without asymptotic enrichment or local mesh refinement. The stress intensity factors are obtained directly from their definition and provide a convenient and accurate means to assess the zero-K condition, which determines the stability of a cohesive crack. The direction of crack propagation is determined from the maximum circumferential stress criterion. To accommodate crack propagation, a local remeshing algorithm that is applicable to any polygon mesh is augmented by inserting cohesive interface elements between the crack surfaces as the cracks propagate. Three numerical benchmarks involving crack propagation in concrete gravity dams are modelled. The results are compared to the experimental and other numerical simulations reported in the literature.