## 5 Conclusions  
In this study, dam height, bank slope gradient, water storage, and panel phased construction were identified as factors influencing the stress and deformation characteristics of CFRDs. An orthogonal testing method was employed to design the experimental schemes. Based on the stress deformation finite element calculation results, projection pursuit regression technology was applied to assess the sensitivity of these factors on the stress and deformation characteristics of CFRDs. According to the ranking of influence weights, the influence of the first three main influencing factors on dam and face slab stress and deformation is analyzed. The conclusions are as follows:  
1. Utilizing orthogonal experimental design and projection pursuit regression technology, the relative weights of influences on the deformation characteristics of the dam body were determined. Taking dam settlement during the impinging period as an example, the relative influence weights of dam height, bank slope gradient, panel phased construction, and storage on dam settlement are 1.000, 0.439, 0.014, and 0.025, respectively. In other words, the sensitivity of each influencing factor to dam settlement during the storage period ranges from strong to weak, as follows: dam height > bank slope gradient > water storage > panel phased construction. Similarly, the sensitivity of each influencing factor to dam body settlement, river displacement, and dam axial displacement remains consistent, regardless of completion period or water storage period. Overall, for the dam body, the most sensitive influencing factor was found to be dam height, followed by bank slope gradient and water storage, with panel phased construction being the least sensitive. 2. Similarly, the relative weights of influence on the stress and deformation characteristics of the panel were established. Using panel deflection as an example, the relative influence weights of dam height, bank slope gradient, water storage, and panel phased construction on panel deflection are 1.000, 0.352, 0.115, and 0.154, respectively. Figure 11: Stress contour maps along the slope and axial of the panel under the one-time and three-times water storage schemes: (**a**) stress contour map along an axial direction/MPa; (**b**) stress contour map along a slope direction/MPa. In this case, the sensitivity of influencing factors on panel deflection during the water storage period also ranges from strong to weak: dam height > bank slope gradient > panel phased construction > water storage. Similarly, as for the sensitivity of influencing factors to the tensile stress of the panel, the ranking is as follows: water storage > bank slope gradient > dam height > panel phased construction. Regarding sensitivity to axial compressive stress, the ranking is as follows: bank slope gradient > dam height > water storage > panel phased construction. Finally, sensitivity to compressive stress along the slope is ranked as follows: bank slope gradient > dam height > panel phased construction > water storage. Overall, among the four factors, dam height, bank slope gradient, and water storage have a significant impact on the stress and deformation of the panel. 3. Based on the results of aforementioned sensitivity analysis, priority design and construction factors can be identified. For instance, dam height exhibits a substantial influence on the settlement of the dam body and the deflection of the panels; accordingly, as the dam height increases, so too do the settlement of the dam body and the deflection of the panels. Consequently, to maintain optimal control over the settlement of the dam body and the deflection of the panels, it is imperative that the height of the dam body is not excessively high. This analysis can also pinpoint the factors with the most significant impact on structural performance, allowing for further risk assessment and management. Enhancing structural performance through adjusting influential factors and optimizing existing engineering design is achievable. 4.