Abstract: The stability analysis of a dam on layered rock foundation is one of the important problems encountered in dam construction. But now, the methods available for analysis are far from being complete. Among the various methods, the limit equilibrium method for the calculation of the stability of a dam is applied more widely. The finite element method is also used increasingly. Moreover, the model test made of brittle material gives us some supplementary information. This paper describes and discusses the use of these methods with a dam as an example.