Military Technological College Oman

Civil & quantity surveying department

In collaboration with the
University of Portsmouth, UK

Individual project progress report: The effect

of wall’s thickness increase on the buckling
behaviour of thin cylindrical arch dams

Module code: MTCA6001

Module name: Individual Project

Supervisor name: Dr. Hussain Ali Redha Al Lawati

Student name: Ibrahim Ali Al-Mughairi

Student number: 1803061

MTCA6001-A1 | Final Year Project Progress Report 1

Contents
1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 3
2. Problem statement ................................................................................................................................... 4
3. Scope and purpose of the project............................................................................................................. 4
3. Literature survey ....................................................................................................................................... 5
4. Project plan ............................................................................................................................................... 5
5. Methodology ............................................................................................................................................. 6
5.2 Geometrical parameters assumptions................................................................................................ 6
5.1 Model generation ............................................................................................................................... 6
5.3 Material properties ............................................................................................................................. 7
5.4 Basic Equations & Assumption............................................................................................................ 7
4. Progress & Remaining Work ..................................................................................................................... 8
4.1 General progress ................................................................................................................................. 8
4.2 Model generation ............................................................................................................................... 8
4.3 Result data of task 1............................................................................................................................ 9
5. Expected result ....................................................................................................................................... 10
7. Advice from supervisor ........................................................................................................................... 10
8. Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................... 11
Gantt chart A1 ............................................................................................................................................. 13
Gantt chart A2 ............................................................................................................................................. 15

MTCA6001-A1 | Final Year Project Progress Report 2

 1. Introduction

The phenomenon of shell buckling in arch damn is major issue in hydraulic structure which lead to the
structure failures and collapse. Owing to high expenses and complexity involved in constructed arch
damns and potential big damage can result from the buckling failure of arch dams, It is a vital component
of civil engineering to have a more in-depth view and understanding of shell buckling behaviour in arch
damn (Al Lawati & Al Jahwari, 2021). By having batter view of buckling behaviour in ach damn, it will be
easier to improve safety of the structure and controlling failure of the buckling behaviour for arch damn
by using pervious research databases for more sustainable and efficient the design (Zingoni et al., 2013).
The arch dam's buckling strength is influenced by several factors. These include of the valley's form, the
arch's surface geometry, the arch's degree of bulging, the change in shell thickness, and the support
conditions as it showed from Fig.1 to Fig.4 (Zingoni et al., 2013). Rectangular valley is less complex models
with borders that are straight and with uniform conditions of the support at the edge and bottom with
free condition at the top (Zingoni et al., 2013). Damns in general are constructed to provide safe retention
and storage of water (Novak et al., 2007). Dams are divided into three major groups: arched dams, gravity
dams and buttress damns (Al Lawati & Al Jahwari, 2021).The arch dam is structurally more efficient than
the buttress or gravity dam, greatly reducing the volume of concrete required (Novak et al., 2007).
Concrete dams are damns that use mass concrete in the construction and its face slopes vary, usually
being steeper upstream and nearly vertical downstream, and depending on the type of dam, their profiles
might be relatively slender (Novak et al., 2007).

Figure 2: Idealized forms for dam valleys include trapezoidal, rectangular,

triangular, and trapezoidal-triangular geometries (Zingoni et al., 2013). Figure 1: some types depth-wise changes in the concrete shell's
thickness are as follows: (a) constant thickness t; (b) linear
variation (from t1 to t2); and (c) parabolic variation (from t1 to
t2) (Zingoni et al., 2013).

MTCA6001-A1 | Final Year Project Progress Report 3


Figure 4: shows horizontally-curved circular cylinder; (b)
horizontally-curved parabolic cylinder (Zingoni et al.,
2013).
Figure 3: A horizontally-curved arch dam in a rectangular valley may be seen in
the following three views: (a) plan view (parabolic arch); (b) circular arch; and
(c) front view (projection on a vertical plane) (Zingoni et al., 2013).

2. Problem statement

Although there have been a few numbers of studies on that topic, there is no clearly defined design
process to determine the dam buckling capacity (Al Lawati & Al Jahwari, 2021). Moreover, in South Africa,
Zingoni et al. (2013), they stated it in their study that the majority of previous studies cantered in specific
case studies of actual dams constructed in different nations. However, it was found difficult to incorporate
the provided information in the design of other arch dams due to lack of generalization (Zingoni et al.,
2013). In addition, there are a limited number of researches have been established to address the issue
related to the buckling behaviour of thin shell concrete arch dams (Zingoni et al., 2013). In the study
carried out by Zingoni et al. (2013), linear buckling equation was considered to compare the critical
pressures buckling between two different types of possible mid-surface geometries of the concrete shell,
cylindrical and elliptic-paraboloid, with various set of height-to-width and rise-to-width ratios. However,
there are some Gaps required to fill-up in their study. Firstly, the assumed shapes of dam valleys was
rectangle only which is very limited. Secondly, the variation the shell thickness is assumed to be zero which
is far from realistic dams.

3. Scope and purpose of the project

This paper will address the current understanding by focusing on a specific aspect that has been not
covered before which is the effect of wall’s thickness increase on the buckling behaviour of thin cylindrical
arch dams. In this study, more properties of concrete arch dam will be considered including shell thickness
variation, and different uniform valley shapes of arch dam. The aim of this study is to investigate how
variations in shell thickness impact the buckling behaviour of cylindrical arch dams with multiple valley
shape subjected to hydraulic pressure. The purpose of this research is to generate a database of design
characteristics for a wide range of arch-dam types, which can be used to identify suitable options for new
design situations with site-specific characteristics and particular design requirements with regard to safety
and economy. The findings of this research provide valuable guidance on the design of concrete arch dams
and offer insights into the factors influencing their buckling strength.

MTCA6001-A1 | Final Year Project Progress Report 4

3. Literature survey

From 1964 to 2023 so many study and researches has been established which are related or similar to this
paper topic. From 4 journal article paper I was found that 2 of them used finite element method by using
deferent software including Zingoni et al., 2013, Al Lawati & Al Jahwari, 2021. Another study used the
methodology involves a comprehensive literature review of research studies by Teng, 1996. In study done
by Steigmann & Ogden, 2014, theoretical analysis and mathematical derivations method was used. The
authors systematically derive classical plate-buckling theory as the small-thickness limit of the three-
dimensional linear theory of incremental elasticity. This paper will use finite element method to carry out
the research.

4. Project plan
This research started by Understanding arch dams and its buckling behaviour in elastic range. The steps
are achieved by discussing the project with the supervisor and reading some recommended books and
articles. After that I moved to the next step, which is Preparation of Abaqus program for simulation
process which involve Installing, obtaining license, Learning and practicing Abogus program .And then, we
have specified some basic equation and parameters related to the topic. Following that, Disputing of the
simulation work into parts. And then, starting the simulation process by Generating modules. Lastly,
establish database and analyses. Figure 1 simplifies and show the steps sequence.

Understanding arch
Preparation of Specifying basic
dams and its
Abaqus program for equation and
buckling behaviour
simulation process parameters
in elastic range

Starting the
Disputing of the
Establish database simulation process
simulation work
and analyzes by Generating
into parts
modules

Figure 5: shows the steps required to accomplish the project

MTCA6001-A1 | Final Year Project Progress Report 5

 5. Methodology

5.2 Geometrical parameters assumptions

The mid-surface geometries of the concrete shell in arch dam will be modelled horizontally-curved circular
cylinder, as it is illustrated figure 2, with variation of shell thickness along dam height. Shapes of dam
valleys will be idealized as rectangular valley as initial analysis and then might be considered other valley
shapes. The support condition will assumed fixed support at edge and bottom and free condition at the
top as showed in figure 4. The b/a ratio (the aspect ratio of the dam) will be varied from 0.5 to 2 with
constant value of a, while the h/a ratio (rise ratio of the shell) will be assumed 5% and 10%. The thickness
of the shell ratio (T1/T2) with values range from 0.0001 to 0.75. The table below shows Geometrical
parameters:
Table 1: shows Geometrical parameters used in modelling

Parameter Symbol Units Range

The rise ratio of the h/a % 5 and 10
shell
The thickness of the (T1/T2) No unit [0.0001 – 0.75]
shell ratio
the aspect ratio of the b/a No unit [0.05 – 2]
dam)

5.1 Model generation

The analysis of this project research is based FEM modelling and parametric study that use ABAQUS
software for arch dam modelling, and automatic calculations. The models of arch dams will be designed
in different geometry involving the height (b), top shell of wall thickness (T1), bottom shell of wall thickness
(T2), and rise ratio of the shell (h/a). The total number of the Model for arch dams that expected to be
generated by ABAQUS are 57 different models, which consist of 2 group each of them contain 4 separate
thickness of the shell ratio (T1/T2) which can be categorized into 4 task each of them consist of 8 different
aspect ratio (b/a) values that required to be modelled. The table simplifies the above:
Table 2: shows details of the groups

Group Task Rise ratio of thickness of aspect ratio (b/a) Numbers of Dam
numbers categories the shell ( the shell Model
h/a ) ratio (T1/T2)
1 task 1 0.75 [0.5, 0.75,1,1.25,1.5,1.75,2] 7
task 2 5% 0.5 [0.5, 0.75,1,1.25,1.5,1.75,2] 7
task 3 0.25 [0.5, 0.75,1,1.25,1.5,1.75,2] 7
task 4 0.0001 [0.5, 0.75,1,1.25,1.5,1.75,2] 7
2 task 1 0.75 [0.5, 0.75,1,1.25,1.5,1.75,2] 7
task 2 10%. 0.5 [0.5, 0.75,1,1.25,1.5,1.75,2] 7
task 3 0.25 [0.5, 0.75,1,1.25,1.5,1.75,2] 7
task 4 0.0001 [0.5, 0.75,1,1.25,1.5,1.75,2] 7

MTCA6001-A1 | Final Year Project Progress Report 6

5.3 Material properties
Material properties for concrete will be assumed as following: E (Young’s module) = 28×109 N /m2 and n
Poisson’s ratio = 0.15. The dam will be assumed as it is full of water to capacity with water of unit weight
=10 N /m2. Modelling Dam with take different ratio consideration of h/a, b/a, t1/t2. It illustrated in as
following table

Parameter Units value Material type

Water Density (YW) KN /m3 10 Water

Elastic Modulus (E) N/m2 28 × 109 Concrete

Poisson’s ratio (ν) - 0.15 -

5.4 Basic Equations & Assumption

The dam will be assumed as it is full of water which mean water rise to the b, where the maximum depth
height of water (b) or shell wall height. The stress calculated by multiple (b) to Water Density (YW) as
equation [1] shows. To find equation for variation of shell wall thickness use relationship of equation [2]
and [3] to develop variation of shell wall thickness equation [4]. When represent the equation [4] and
substitute h value with Z will result equation 5 which will be used in ABAQUS for each module. The total
number of variation of shell wall thickness equations must be developed are 64 different equations.

𝜎 = YW × 𝑏 [1]

∆𝑧 𝑏−0 𝑏
=𝑡 = ∆𝑡 [2]
∆𝑌 2 −𝑡1

𝑡2 𝑏
When t = -t2, h = 0 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 = [3]
∆𝑡

𝑏 𝑡2 𝑏
ℎ = ∆𝑡 [𝑡] + [4]
∆𝑡

∆𝑡
𝑡= 𝑧 − 𝑡2 [4]
𝑏

MTCA6001-A1 | Final Year Project Progress Report 7

 4. Progress & Remaining Work

4.1 General progress

The project has made steady progress during the initial semester, focusing on understanding arch dams
and their buckling behaviour within the elastic range. Setting the project's objectives, limitations, and
procedures are crucial requirements. The introduction and literature review serve to establish the
foundation for the research. The final step in the preparation process was to successfully set up the
Abaqus program for simulation. Lastly, Task 1 of Group 1 has started which is 7 model. The remaining
models need to be built are 49.

Challenges Difficulty Overcome the challenge

Literature on the Buckling
Capacity of Arch Dams:
Complexity in Modeling Dam
with variation of shell wall
thickness
Buckling capacity of arch dams
has been identified, leading to
challenges in defining a clear
design process
The software show error when
the work submitted
Reading journal article and
books
Create correct equation for
variation of shell wall thickness
and input on Aboqus

4.2 Model generation

One task out of 8 was started in FEM modelling procedure by using ABAQUS software but the models
didn’t established because of error and small manual calculation. The table below explain the activity
percentage that have been done in each task:

Group Task Rise thickness aspect ratio (b/a) Numbers Progress Remaining
numbers categori ratio of the shell of Dam (%) (%)
es of the ratio Model
shell ( (T1/T2)
h/a )
1 task 1 0.75 [0.5, 0.75,1,1.25,1.5,1.75,2] 7 1% 99%
task 2 5% 0.5 [0.5, 0.75,1,1.25,1.5,1.75,2] 7 0% 100%
task 3 0.25 [0.5, 0.75,1,1.25,1.5,1.75,2] 7 0% 100%
task 4 0.0001 [0.5, 0.75,1,1.25,1.5,1.75,2] 7 0% 100%
2 task 1 0.75 [0.5, 0.75,1,1.25,1.5,1.75,2] 7 0% 100%
task 2 10%. 0.5 [0.5, 0.75,1,1.25,1.5,1.75,2] 7 0% 100%
task 3 0.25 [0.5, 0.75,1,1.25,1.5,1.75,2] 7 0% 100%
task 4 0.0001 [0.5, 0.75,1,1.25,1.5,1.75,2] 7 0% 100%
Total Group 1 + Group 2 57 0% 100%

MTCA6001-A1 | Final Year Project Progress Report 8

 4.3 Result data of task 1

A few typical forms for the circular arch are seen in Fig. 6 and 7, which are failed to generated results
due to the unknown error. The outcomes for the various scenarios' critical buckling pressures can be
revealed.

Figure 6: shows the submitted file being aborted while proceeding the job.

Figure 7: shows visualization failed to analyses the scenarios' critical buckling pressures

MTCA6001-A1 | Final Year Project Progress Report 9

5. Expected result

This research aims to understand the buckling behaviour of thin cylindrical arch dams, focusing on the
impact of wall thickness. It will analyse how wall thickness variations and shell thickness changes affect
the dam’s stability. The study will also explore how different valley shapes influence the dam’s buckling
behaviour. Comprehensive database of design characteristics for various arch dam types will be created,
serving as a resource for future design considerations. The data collected is highly relevant,
incorporating realistic geometric parameters and material properties. Finite Element Modeling (FEM)
will be used for a detailed parametric study. A schedule has been established to ensure timely
completion of the project, including task prioritization, phased simulation process, systematic data
analysis, and report writing. Regular communication with the supervisor will ensure meaningful results
within the specified timeframe. The study will determine the following:

Impact of Wall Thickness: Analyzing how varying wall thickness influences the buckling behavior
of thin cylindrical arch dams in response to hydraulic pressure.
Effect of Shell Thickness Variation: Investigating the relationship between shell thickness
variation and the structural integrity of arch dams, providing insights into its impact on overall
stability.
Influence of Valley Shapes: Exploring how different valley shapes affect the buckling behavior of
arch dams, comparing responses between rectangular and more complex shapes.
Database of Design Characteristics: Aspiring to create a comprehensive database for various
arch dam types, aiding in identifying design options tailored to site-specific needs, safety, and
economic factors.

7. Advice from supervisor

The supervisor's guidance is meant to direct and improve the research project's overall performance and
quality. Maintaining regular communication and cooperation with the supervisor is essential to making
sure the project stays on course and complies with professional and academic requirements. The
following are some advice form the supervisor:

I have to make save file in ABAQUS after each step during modelling procedure.
I have save file separately for each model related to b/a ratio.
Create another copy to USB flash memory for my work every time I finish any task to prevent
losing the data.
Read book and journal article relate to the topic.
Practice and understand wall thickness equation developed.
Follow timeline to complete project that he provide.

MTCA6001-A1 | Final Year Project Progress Report 10

8. Conclusion

This research investigates the impact of increased wall thickness on the buckling behaviour of thin
cylindrical arch dams. Addressing a critical gap in the design process, the study employs finite element
modelling with ABAQUS software, considering various geometric parameters. Progress has been steady,
with Task 1 of Group 1 started. The expected outcome includes a comprehensive database guiding the
design of arch dams for improved stability. Challenges, such as literature gaps and modelling complexities,
have been addressed. Moving forward, the project aims for systematic completion of the remaining tasks,
culminating in a concise yet insightful report and presentation.

MTCA6001-A1 | Final Year Project Progress Report 11

9. References
1. Zingoni, A., Mudenda, K., French, V. and Mokhothu, B., 2013. Buckling strength of thin-shell
concrete arch dams. Thin-Walled Structures, 64, pp.94-102.

2. Salazar, F., Toledo, M.Á. and Vicente, D.J., 2017, January. A systematic assessment of the
influence of geometry and materials properties on the performance of arch dams. In 14 th
International Benchmark Workshop on Numerical Analysis of Dams. Stockholm.

3. Al Lawati, H.A. and Al Jahwari, F.K., 2021. Buckling Behaviour Of Thin Shell Concrete Arch
Dams With Geometrical Nonlinearities. In Towards a Sustainable Water Future: Proceedings of
Oman’s International Conference on Water Engineering and Management of Water
Resources (pp. 283-294). ICE Publishing.

4. Novak, P., Moffat, I., Nalluri, C., & Narayanan, R. (2007). Hydraulic Structures. Taylor & Francis.’

5. Teng, J. G. (1996). Buckling of thin shells: Recent advances and trends. Applied Mechanics
Reviews, 49(4), 167-180.

6. Steigmann, D.J. and Ogden, R.W. (2014) 'Classical plate buckling theory as the small-thickness
limit of three-dimensional linear elasticity', ZAMM - Journal of Applied Mathematics and
Mechanics / Zeitschrift für Angewandte Mathematik und Mechanik, 94(1-2), pp. 1-14. doi:
10.1002/zamm.201200160.

MTCA6001-A1 | Final Year Project Progress Report 12

Gantt chart A1 Individual columns represent weeks.

MONTH Dec Jan Feb Mar

4WEEK START DATE 1 8 15 23 31 1 8 15 23 31 1 8 15 23 - 1 8 15 23 31

% 7 14 22 30 - 7
ACTIVITY START DATE END DATE 7 14 22 30 - - 7 14 22 29 14 22 30 -
DONE
1. Understanding arch dams and
its buckling behaviour in elastic
Reading recommended books 10-12-2023 1-4-2024
30%
and articles from supervisor
Self-searching and reading for 10-12-2023 1-4-2024
the topic related to the 30%
project
Preparing project proposal 100% 10-12-2023 31-12-2023
2. Preparation of Abaqus
program for simulation process
Installing and obtaining license 100% 17-12-2023 31-12-2023
Learning and practicing Abogus
100% 07-01-2024 14-01-2024
program
3. Specifying basic equation and
parameters

Verity the required equation for

100% 07-01-2024 21-01-2024
all task for each Group of data
Determine properties
assumption for Group 1 and 50% 07-01-2024 14-02-2024
Group 2 of data
4. Disrupting of the simulation
work into parts
Disrupt work into group and task
80% 21-01-2024 21-01-2024
Starting the simulation process
by Generating modules

MTCA6001 | Final Year Project Proposal 13

Starting task 1 to 8 from Group 1 21-01-2024 1-03-2024
of data 1%

Starting task 1 to 8 from Group 2 1-03-2024 30-04-2024

of data 0%

Additional work 0% 30-04-2024 30-05-2024

Establish database and analyses

Starting Writing full report and

presentation 0% 30-04-2024 30-05-2024

Finish the full report writing and

presentation 0% 30-04-2024 30-05-2024

Submission 30% 2-06-2024 2-06-2024

MTCA6001 | Final Year Project Proposal 14

Gantt chart A2 Individual columns represent weeks.

MONTH April May June July

4WEEK START DATE 1 8 15 23 31 1 8 15 23 31 1 8 15 23 - 1 8 15 23 31

% 7 14 22 30 - 7
ACTIVITY START DATE END DATE 7 14 22 30 - - 7 14 22 29 14 22 30 -
DONE
1. Understanding arch dams and
its buckling behaviour in elastic
Reading recommended books 10-12-2023 1-4-2024
30%
and articles from supervisor
Self-searching and reading for 10-12-2023 1-4-2024
the topic related to the 30%
project
Preparing project proposal 100% 10-12-2023 31-12-2023
2. Preparation of Abaqus
program for simulation process
Installing and obtaining license 100% 17-12-2023 31-12-2023
Learning and practicing Abogus
100% 07-01-2024 14-01-2024
program
3. Specifying basic equation and
parameters

Verity the required equation for

100% 07-01-2024 21-01-2024
all task for each Group of data
Determine properties
assumption for Group 1 and 50% 07-01-2024 14-02-2024
Group 2 of data
4. Disrupting of the simulation
work into parts
Disrupt work into group and task
80% 21-01-2024 21-01-2024
Starting the simulation process
by Generating modules

MTCA6001 | Final Year Project Proposal 15

Starting task 1 to 8 from Group 1 21-01-2024 1-03-2024
of data 1%

Starting task 1 to 8 from Group 2 1-03-2024 30-04-2024

of data 0%

Additional work 0% 30-04-2024 30-05-2024

Establish database and analyses

Starting Writing full report and

presentation 0% 30-04-2024 30-05-2024

Finish the full report writing and

presentation 0% 30-04-2024 30-05-2024

Submission 30% 2-06-2024 2-06-2024

MTCA6001 | Final Year Project Proposal 16