journal article·2025-04-25Open access

Dynamic Inversion Method for Concrete Gravity Dam on Soft Rock Foundation

Guanglin Yin, Chaoning Lin, Taozhen Sheng, Wenbo Xue, Tongchun Li, Siyu Chen

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 9

Abstract

This study presents a dynamic inversion method for the concrete gravity dam on a soft rock foundation, aiming to accurately characterize the time-dependent trend of the dam’s mechanical properties. Conventional static inversion methods often overlook temporal variations in material behavior, particularly the long-term weakening of soft rock foundations under environmental influences. To address this limitation, an improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is developed for dynamic parameter inversion, combining real-time monitoring data with finite element modeling to evaluate the time-varying elastic modulus of the foundation. The results reveal an exponential decay in the foundation’s elastic modulus (from 4.67 GPa to approximately 3.83 GPa), while the dam body maintains a stable modulus of 20.74 GPa. Comparative analyses demonstrate that the dynamic inversion approach, which accounts for time-dependent parameter degradation, significantly improves the displacement prediction accuracy of the dam. The results highlight the critical importance of incorporating temporal mechanical property variations in inversion analyses to ensure reliable structural assessments and enhance long-term dam safety management.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Dam Engineering and Safety · Grouting, Rheology, and Soil Mechanics · Geotechnical Engineering and Analysis

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China

NanJing Hohai Nanzi Hydropower Automation Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210032, China

Center for Big Data and Smart Water, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing 210029, China

Dam Safety Management Department, Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute, Nanjing 210029, China

Dam Safety Management Center of the Ministry of Water Resources, Nanjing 210029, China

Funding

National Key Research and Development Program · National Natural Science Foundation of China · Open Research Fund of Key Laboratory of Reservoir and Dam Safety Ministry of Water Resources · Science and Technology Project of Power Construction Corporation of China

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