A special finite element programme is developed to study the seismic response of arch dams based on fractured continuum models. Two types of the fixed smeared crack models, i.e., Uni-Directional and Non-Orthogonal Smeared Crack Approaches, are available in this programme. As a practical application, the crack induced behaviour of 130 m high Shahid Rajaee arch dam in Iran, subjected to Friuli-Tolmezzo earthquake, is compared to its linear elastic behaviour. It is concluded that the uni-directional smeared crack approach is a stiff model, which could not properly redistribute the stresses through the structure. The non-orthogonal smeared crack approach could avoid the overstressing phenomenon in the dam. A drift in the crest displacements forms the prominent characteristics of the cracking behaviour. Moreover, the influences of secant and elastic unloading/reloading options are also discussed.
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