This paper is designed to propose methods to both analyze and control the reasons for cracks appearing during the construction of piers. For this aim, a numerical analysis was performed to identify the properties of crack which resulted from heat of hydration and differential drying shrinkage with the key influence factors considered. The results show that the thermal cracks occurred within a few days, and the drying shrinkage cracks within a few weeks. Meanwhile, settlement shrinkage cracks occurred within a few hours. Discussing the control methods based on the time of the cracks appearing, quality control, reduction of the unit quantity of cement, and the preservation of moisture on the surface are proposed as the realistic and effective methods for preventing settlement cracks, thermal cracks, and drying shrinkage cracks respectively.