Comprehensive Review of Structural Analysis Techniques for Gravity Dams Using STAAD.Pro under Diverse Reservoir Conditions

Gravity dams, typically constructed using concrete or masonry, are massive hydraulic structures designed to resist external loads primarily through their own weight. These dams usually exhibit a triangular cross-sectional profile, with a wide base and a narrow crest, ensuring inherent stability against hydrostatic and seismic forces. Accurate analysis of such structures is essential for ensuring their safety and performance under varying reservoir conditions.This study presents a detailed evaluation of gravity dam behavior using STAAD.Pro, widely adopted structural analysis software. While traditionally employed for designing framed structures such as buildings, STAAD.Pro is also capable of modeling complex elements including plates, shells, and solid components. This flexibility makes it suitable for simulating gravity dams under different loading scenarios.In this analysis, the dam is modeled using solid elements to accurately represent its mass and geometry. The effects of hydrostatic pressure, uplift pressure, and other reservoir-induced forces are incorporated to simulate real-world conditions. By leveraging the computational capabilities of STAAD.Pro, stress distribution, deformation profiles, and stability parameters of the dam are systematically investigated. This approach eliminates the limitations of manual analysis, offering a time-efficient and precise method to assess dam safety under diverse operational conditions.