Abstract：The principle of composite element method is illustrated，and an algorithm for jointed rock masses is implemented on the basis of the principle. The most remarkable feature of the algorithm is that each composite element may contain several discontinuity segments，such as faults and joints. The main advantages of the composite element method is that it can be incorporated into conventional finite element analysis procedure，and the mesh generation of the large-scale rock structures with considerable number of discontinuities，which require discrete treatment in the calculation，is not restricted by the number，position and orientation of the discontinuities. Comparision study between composite element method and conventional finite element method is carried out to show the validity and robustness of the new method.
