In this example, we analyze the Koyna Dam, which was subjected to a magnitude 6.5 earthquake on December 11, 1967. The study demonstrates a typical application of concrete damage modeling based on traction–separation laws.
The dam is represented as a two-dimensional part with a damage material definition. Before the dynamic earthquake simulation, the structure is loaded with gravity and hydrostatic pressure. In Abaqus/Standard, these loads are applied in two consecutive static steps:
- GRAV for gravity loading in the first step
- HP for hydrostatic pressure in the second step
To capture physical crack growth, the XFEM procedure is used. Crack propagation is modeled according to tensile damage criteria described in the Abaqus documentation. The simulation results show the development of cracks inside the dam, as illustrated in the figures below.
