The main aim of this paper is to introduce an efficient procedure for crack detection in concrete gravity dams. Genetic algorithm and finite element modeling are employed to perform the optimization tasks. A two-dimensional cracked element is formulated for non-linear analysis. In this investigation, the kinematics of the discontinuous displacement field in a body with an internal discontinuity is utilized. Based on the suggested interpolation functions for the discrete segments, and also the element displacement field, the element stiffness matrix is calculated. Moreover, a genetic algorithm approach for crack identification is proposed, which can identify the location and magnitude of crack in concrete gravity dams. By minimizing the difference between the analytical responses given by the authors' element and the measured ones, genetic algorithm identifies the crack. Finally, several numerical examples are analyzed for the accuracy test, and a few of them are presented here.

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