Finite-element simulation of permissible load on gate elements of water-conveying structures to assess risks of anthropogenic accidents

It is ascertained that operation of mechanical equipment on technical state requires a switch over permanent inspection of elements instead of periodic examination since a possible failure of the mechanical equipment of hydraulic structure system in the headworks will result in emerging causes for possible anthropogenic accidents. Changes in stressed and strained state of the whole structure significantly influence the equipment strength. Corrosion and mechanical loads as well as emergency conditions arisen result in sites for corrosion cracking of elements. Forming and opening of such cracks occur transiently and even instantly, but their character and spreading velocity are difficultly fore casted. Computation was carried out with the help of a software complex SCAD office, operation of which is based on the method of finite elements and superelements, emergence of various possible defects is simulated and their maximum level for safe operation of the mechanical equipment by the criterion of stressed and strained state is determined.