Dynamic Solution Code for Structural Analysis upon Joint Element

Abstract

The analysis of large structures mostly requires a complete three dimensional finite element discretization. Stability of such structures includes not only the stability of structure itself but also that of foundation as well as interconnection elements. The general instability of a structure may be affected by two aspects, firstly, an inappropriate preliminary classical design of the structure and inadequate control over the geometry and quality of the materials used for construction. Secondary, the foundation rock and abutments may contain a number of faults and joints which may be unfavorable to stability of the structure. Therefore it is necessary to consider appropriately the influence of interaction between the structure, foundation and abutments under static and dynamic loads. from construction point of view some of the structures such arch dams are divided into vertical blocks, which are separated by vertical joints which are grouted at the later stage .Since the behavior of such and many other structures whose have contraction joints under static and dynamic loads depends largely on those joints, therefore, the presence of structural codes that can recommend the appropriate specifications on modeling these joints, seems to be necessary. The present study contribution deals with the development of three dimensional finite element software including interfacial behavior of joints between different substructures and interaction behavior of structure and foundation to evaluate the safety of the structure subjected to static and dynamic loads. The developed software is verified upon different points of view and the results are in agreement with experiments.