The predicting of cracks on concrete arch dam under temperature load

For a concrete dam during operation, cracking is a common phenomenon. Loading (mainly refers to the water pressure and temperature) is the main effective factor for causing of cracks and their development. Due to the operation condition of the actual situation is very complex, e.g. water pressure and temperature are constantly changing; the effect on cracks cause by different levels of water with combinations of different temperatures are also not the same. It is vital important to avoid adverse load combination. Therefore, analysis of the different load combinations applying on the cracks to judge the general location of cracks is an important topic. Through establishing a finite element model in ANSYS, this paper mainly discussed on the simulation of the stress of the concrete arch dam and the judgment of general location of cracks, The result can be used in practical engineering.