Numerical modeling analysis of rock stability and its reinforcement project for the thin abutment of an arch dam

By numerical modeling analysis, the effect of different reinforcement measures to improve the stability of dam abutment of thin rock mountain is studied in the paper. It is revealed that increasing the distance between application point and the top of the thin mountain, such as setting expansion joint at the dam crest, can avoid the appearance of bigger tensile stress area under the action of the arch dam thrust, and avoid the low confining pressure to be loaded on the dam abutment. Therefore, the rock foundation can keep long-term stability.