Abstract: In this paper, the stress-deformation characteristics.of the roller compacted concrete-face rock fill blend dam is studied by centrifugal model test,and its general stress-deformation behaviour of this new type dam before and after retaining water are revealed. By comparing with the results of numerical analysis, the mathematical model for finite element analysis is demonstrated. Finally, the 3-D finite element methods are used respectively to calculate the stresses and deformations of Gongboxia blend dam and Gongboxia face rock fill dam. By comparison, the advantages in stress - strain characteristics of blend dam is revealed.