The opening and closing of transverse joints under strong seismic action have a significant im- pact on the dynamic response of arch dams

which is a key concern in the design of high arch dams. Us- ing the finite element time-history analysis method

taking into account of factors such as the opening of transverse joints in arch dams and the infinite foundation radiation damping

the calculation and simula- tion are conducted based on various working conditions composed of factors including normal reservoir water level and dead water level

design temperature rise and design temperature drop

and seismic loads under site-specific spectra. The analysis results show that the transverse joints in the concrete arch dam undergo repeating opening and closing during seismic response

with a relatively large opening occurring at a certain instant. However

the joint waterstop is not pulled apart. The arch stress of dam body is partially relieved

and the overall high-stress distribution of dam meets the allowable conditions

ensuring the overall stability of dam body after the earthquake.