Study on the visual modeling system of 3D design software of arch dams

It is known to all in water power engineering that accurate digital models, set up in the 3D space of the CAD system to express complex space structure and solve problems in design, construction and management, is the surest way to lower the cost and improve the design quality and efficiency. This involves the integration of all specialized standards and codes and technologies such as computer science, graphics, networks and virtual reality. In the paper, contents and key technologies of the 3D visual modeling software of arch dam are to be introduced as well as some application examples of the system.