Stability Analysis of Concrete Structures

Course Summary:

This manual establishes and standardizes stability criteria for use in the design and evaluation of the many various types of concrete structures common to Corps of Engineers civil works projects. As used in this manual, the term “stability” applies to external global stability (sliding, rotation, flotation and bearing), not to internal stability failures such as sliding on lift surfaces or exceedance of allowable material strengths.

Learning Objective:

This manual covers requirements for static methods used in stability analyses of hydraulic structures. The types of concrete structures addressed in this manual include dams, locks, retaining walls, inland floodwalls, coastal floodwalls, spillways, outlet works, hydroelectric power plants, pumping plants, and U-channels. The structures may be founded on rock or soil and have either flat or sloped bases. Pile-founded structures, sheet-pile structures, and footings for buildings are not included. When the stability requirements of this manual conflict with those in other Engineering Manuals or Engineering Technical Letters, the requirements of this manual shall govern. These requirements apply to all potential failure planes at or slightly below the structure/foundation interface. They also apply to certain potential failure planes within unreinforced concrete gravity structures. This manual defines the types and combination of applied loads, including uplift forces due to hydrostatic pressures in the foundation material. The manual defines the various components that enable the structure to resist movement, including anchors to the foundation. Most importantly, the manual prescribes the safety factors that govern stability requirements for the structure for various load combinations. Also, guidance is provided for evaluating and improving the stability of existing structures.

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Course Content

Course Author: US Army Corps of Engineers