Thrust given Intrados Stresses on Arch Dam Calculator

Thrust of Abutments Formula:

\[ F = S \times T_b - \frac{6 \times M_t}{T_b} \]

Thrust of Abutments: %

1. What is Thrust of Abutments?

Definition: Thrust of Abutments refers to the horizontal force exerted by an arch, vault, or similar structure against its supporting abutments.

Purpose: It helps engineers determine the stability requirements for arch dam structures and their supporting abutments.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ F = S \times T_b - \frac{6 \times M_t}{T_b} \]

Where:

\( F \) — Thrust of Abutments (%)
\( S \) — Intrados Stresses (%)
\( T_b \) — Base Thickness (%)
\( M_t \) — Moment acting on Arch Dam (%)

Explanation: The formula calculates the horizontal thrust considering both the stress distribution and moment effects on the arch dam.

3. Importance of Thrust Calculation

Details: Proper thrust estimation ensures structural stability, prevents abutment failure, and helps in designing appropriate support systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values as percentages. The calculator will compute the resulting thrust as a percentage value.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical values for Intrados Stresses?
A: Values typically range between ±5% of the designed stress levels, depending on material and loading conditions.

Q2: How does Base Thickness affect the thrust?
A: Thicker bases generally reduce thrust by distributing forces over a larger area, but the relationship is non-linear.

Q3: When would the thrust be negative?
A: Negative values indicate the direction of thrust has reversed, which may occur under certain loading conditions.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a theoretical value; actual thrust may vary by ±5% due to material properties and construction tolerances.

Q5: What safety factors should be applied?
A: Engineering standards typically require a safety factor of 1.5-2.0 on calculated thrust values.