Harmonic thermal fracture of multiple crack system and the stability of cracks in RCC arch dam

This work is concerned with formulating the harmonic state linear thermoelastic problem for bodies with finite dimension and multiple cracks. The fundamental solutions for temperature and stress fields caused by a point harmonic heat source in an infinite plane are presented. The boundary integral equations are obtained by the superposition of displacements and stresses caused by the prescribing displacements/tractions and thermal disturbance in an infinite region on the site that conforms to the boundary of the finite body, and that in an infinite region with cracks subjected to the negative tractions obtained from the mechanical and thermal loadings. A numerical result is obtained for two inclined cracks in a rectangular plate. The convergency of the method is examined. As an example of engineering application, a horizontal arch with cracks in a RCC arch dam in south China is analyzed. The variations of SIF at the tip of cracks with the changes of environmental temperature and water level are given. It shows that the stress distribution in the arch can be improved by artificial short joints located upstream of the abutment, and the water pressure should be kept constant during February-April for the consideration of stability of cracks. Copyright (C) 1996 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd