A method for establishing hydraulic concrete crack criteria based on anti-seepage function

Key Points

• This research aims to establish criteria for evaluating cracks in hydraulic concrete structures based on their anti-seepage function.
• Developed crack criteria based on anti-seepage requirements from existing standards and practical projects.
• Conducted experiments to establish the relationship between tensile strain and permeability coefficient with crack width.
• Utilized numerical simulations to relate tensile strain with equivalent plastic strain for complex stress states.
• Identified a threshold for equivalent plastic strain and crack width based on anti-seepage functionality.
• Showed that significant cracks can still occur without compromising the structural integrity of hydraulic concrete.
• Provided a novel standard for assessing crack behavior in hydraulic structures, enhancing practical application.