HERI – Research Actions Database

Welcome to the HERI Research Actions Database. The database provides details of past and present research actions related to all aspects of hydropower. The database has been structured following the categorisation developed for the HYDROPOWER EUROPE research and innovation agenda, and Strategic Industry Roadmap.

The database contents have been collated from a variety of organisations working on research actions across all sectors of the hydropower industry. The information has been share freely and is available as open access. You can search the database or add details of new initiatives to the database via the buttons below.

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Development of a computational code for complex thermo-mechanical analysis of arch dams

Description

The ACOMBO project developed advanced computational tools for the thermo-mechanical analysis of concrete arch dams, enabling simulation of dam behaviour throughout their entire life cycle, from construction to operation and extreme loading conditions. The project focused on creating numerical models capable of reproducing complex interactions between thermal effects, concrete behaviour, structural deformation, cracking processes, and dam–foundation interactions. The developed tools aimed to improve the understanding and prediction of concrete dam response by considering phenomena such as heat generation during concrete hydration, seasonal temperature variations, stress development, damage initiation, and potential failure mechanisms. The results support improved design, safety assessment, and long-term management of concrete dam infrastructure.

Organisations

  • Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
  • International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE)

Funding

  • National funding

Specific Funding Sources:
Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad

Level of Action:

National: SPAIN

Applications

Large-hydro, Storage Hydropower

Keywords

Civil / Structural engineering, Digitalization, Maintenance, Modeling / Simulation

Areas of Research

Research and Innovation Agenda

  • Development of advanced thermo-mechanical simulation tools for predicting concrete dam behaviour, supporting improved safety assessment, maintenance planning, and lifetime management of hydropower infrastructure.

Strategic Industry Roadmap

Last Updated: 30/07/2026 15:58

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ACOMBO

Project Number

RTC-2015-3794-5

Start Date
2015
End Date
2018

Budget Range
€100,000 - €500,000

 

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