Size effects in concrete gravity dams: a comparative study

This paper discusses the applicability of the size effects law which originates from linear elastic fracture mechanics to concrete gravity dams. Comparison is made between the predictions, in terms of overall structural strength and failure mechanism, obtained from simplified limit state methods, from equivalent elastic analyses and from cohesive crack approaches. A benchmark problem proposed by ICOLD (International Committee on Large Dams) is chosen as a reference test. The results lighten the peculiar role of the self-weight contribution, which stabilizes crack propagation for typical structural sizes in dam construction.