Present Rock Foundation Models for Behaviour Forecasting of Large Concrete Dams: State-of-the-Art, Critical Appraisal, Avenues of Future Developments

The fundamental influence of rock foundations on the static and dynamic behaviour of large concrete dams is outlined. Present-day deterministic (predominantly F.E.) models are briefly reviewed under this respect. While up to now rock foundations have largely been modeled as a linear-elastic continuum, there are indications that more sophisticated rheological models are called for. In order to achieve a more realistic analytical representation, however, a concerted effort is needed on the side both of numerical analysis techniques and of geomechanical in-situ quantitative characterization of foundation rock masses.