Abstract: The size joints on the of upstream panel of concrete-faced rock-fill dam differs greatly  from that of the whole dam model, and the deformation is discontinuous, so that the solution is difficult to obtain and the precision is inadequate in finite element calculation. The concrete panel and the surrounding toe board are isolated from the whole dam model as a new research object by using sub-model method in software ADINA. The advantage of the sub-model method is that it can be implemented easily, and fine unit and grid can be employed to get higher accuracy of computing solution. Meanwhile, vertical joints and peripheral joints on the panel and the connection between the panel and the cushion layer can also be simulated in detail. An engineering project is taken as an example to verify the high accuracy and rationality of this method. The regularity of deformation of the panel and the joints are discussed.             

Key words:  rock-fill dam, sub-model method, vertical joints, peripheral joints