ABSTRACT
Safety performance of arch dams is currently conducted on the basis of monitoring data combined with engineering judgments. An advanced method for safety monitoring index was proposed based on the failure mode and overload capacity of an arch dam. By analyzing the potential failure mode of the arch dam, a three-dimensional finite element model was established to simulate the specific failure mode of abutment instability. The monitoring index was obtained during the gradual destruction process of the arch dam, which provides an important reference for the management of operation safety of the arch dam.
