Structural design for embankment dam bottom-discharge conduit. Case study

The article refers to the calculation of bottom-discharge conduits used in locally sourced dams. In such cases, the foundation terrain is usually elastic. The conduits themselves have either a circular or polygonal cross-section and are made up of reinforced concrete. The length of the conduit is split into sections that are joined together with sealant tape. The article showcases the calculation for the Ibaneasa dam bottom-discharge conduit using the finite element method. There are two scenarios being considered: one in which the conduit is split up into several shorter sections, and one in which only two sections are taken into account – one upstream and one downstream on the dam, with the two being joined in the dam's axis. The bending momentum is smaller when the number of sections is greater (and their size is diminished).