Introduction -- Preparation Knowledge of Material Properties -- Geometrical description and discretization of hydraulic structures -- Fundamentals of the Finite Element Method -- Adaptive technique in the Finite Element Method -- Reinforcement Analysis Using the Finite Element Method -- Inverse and Feedback Analysis Based on the Finite Element Method -- Comprehensive Application of the Finite Element Method-The Xiaowan Arch Dam -- Fundamentals of the Block Element Analysis -- Adaptive technique in the block element analysis -- Hybrid Methods Related to the Block Element Analysis -- Expanding Study on the Block Element Analysis -- Comprehensive Application of the Block Element Analysis-Xiaowan Arch Dam -- Fundamentals of the Composite Element Method -- Reinforcement Analysis Using the Composite Element Method -- Seepage Analysis Using the Composite Element Method -- Thermal Analysis Using the Composite Element Method -- Comprehensive Application of the Composite Element Method - Numerical Test of Fractured Rock Masses.

This book presents recent research into developing and applying computational tools to estimate the performance and safety of hydraulic structures from the planning and construction stage to the service period. Based on the results of a close collaboration between the author and his colleagues, friends, students and field engineers, it shows how to achieve a good correlation between numerical computation and the actual in situ behavior of hydraulic structures. The book’s heuristic and visualized style disseminates the philosophy and road map as well as the findings of the research. The chapters reflect the various aspects of the three typical and practical methods (the finite element method, the block element method, the composite element method) that the author has been working on and made essential contributions to since the 1980s. This book is an advanced continuation of Hydraulic Structures by the same author, published by Springer in 2015.