Determination and application of the nonlinear safety factor for high arch dams based on energy index and Pearson coefficient

Key Points

• The study aims to establish a method for determining the nonlinear safety factor of high arch dams during overload conditions.
• Combines geomechanical model testing with nonlinear numerical analysis.
• Examines damage evolution characteristics of arch dams under overload.
• Develops a method to determine nonlinear safety factors based on changes in plastic residual energy norms and Pearson coefficients.
• Identified that the nonlinear safety factor <italic>K</italic>_n for Dongzhuang arch dam is 6.54.
• Pearson coefficient threshold established at 0.90 for assessing nonlinear safety.
• Explored the effects of energy index substitutability and long-term water storage reduction on nonlinear safety.