Abstract: Face slab is the major anti-seepage structure of concrete-faced rockfill dam (CFRD). Controlling face slab crack is the key to the safe operation of the dam. We sum up the current status of cracks in the face slab of CFRD across China, and analyze the causes of cracks from aspects of design, raw material, and construction technology. We classify the cracks into three categories: structural cracks induced by uneven settlement and excessive constraint, temperature-caused cracks triggered by shrinkage deformation, hydration temperature rise and environmental temperature variation, and finally concrete's quality fluctuations and plastic cracks resulted from improper construction technology. Furthermore, we made a review on the progresses of crack prevention technologies in terms of reducing structural cracks, enhancing concrete's performance, and intensifying heat preservation and moisturizing measures. In addition, we expound the characteristics and rules of the cracks from aspects of crack direction, crack location, sequence of cracks and occurrence time of cracks, respectively. We also summarize the impacts of technical parameters on the cracks. Such parameters include: designed mechanics and frost-resistant parameters, water-binder ratio, water consumption, raw materials, slump, as well as treatment process.

Key words: CFRD, cracks in face slab, anti-cracking technology, causes, measures