It is indicated that the dynamic amplification of abutment rock body and dam-water-foundation interaction should be considered in the aseismatic stability analysis for high arch dam abutment.

Basic theory of nonlinear FEM analysis and its realization in ANSYS were studied. Accomplish stability analysis of high arch dam abutment based on nonlinear FEM analysis.

Three essential factors, the stress of arch dam, the stability of arch dam abutment and the cost of it must be considered.