Abstract：A p-version adaptive block element method for rock masses is presented to control the computational accuracy of block element method. According to current numerical solution of block element method，the contribution of higher-order shape function on each generalized node to the improvement of computational accuracy is evaluated by using the hierarchical characteristics of generalized stiffness matrix. Then，those useful generalized nodes are selected，and the generalized stiffness matrix is enlarged. A more accurate numerical solution can be obtained after the new equilibrium equations are solved. The adaptive processes are repeated until the results are accurate enough. The methodology proposed is proved to be valuable and efficient by a numerical example.
