Joint opening nonlinear mechanism: Interface smeared crack model

Contraction joint opening behavior is studied. An economical model called the Interface Smeared Crack Model is developed to simulate the joint opening nonlinear mechanism. The model is based on the general smeared crack approach, with a specially introduced pushing back operation which is intended to correct the local structure response at element level. This method dramatically reduces the computational cost compared with that of a standard joint element analysis. It is demonstrated that it would be beneficial to include joint opening mechanism in the dynamic analysis of arch dams, because joint opening will limit the peak tensile arch stresses and thus improve the seismic resistance of the structure.