Characterization Model Research on Deformation of Arch Dam Based on Correlation Analysis Using Monitoring Data

Deformation is the most direct indicator of structural state changes in arch dams. Therefore, numerous deformation monitoring points are typically arranged on arch dams to obtain deformation data from each point. Considering the complex relationships between the deformation at each monitoring point, this study focuses on the internal structural relationships and information fusion within the dam. The Pearson correlation coefficient is used as a similarity index to determine significant linear correlations between the measuring points. Ward’s cluster analysis method is then applied to group these points based on their similarities. To identify measuring points with strong nonlinear correlations, the Maximum Information Coefficient (MIC) method is employed. By integrating these linear and nonlinear correlations, a model is constructed to characterize the deformation at specific measurement points using data from strongly correlated points. The effectiveness of this model is verified through a concrete engineering case study, offering a novel approach for analyzing arch dam deformations.