Abstract: When the traditional joint element methods are used to simulate the failure process of rock, it is necessary to increase the elements and the nodes, and the data processing is extremely complex. In order to more efficiently simulate the interaction between nodes in the finite element in fractured rock, a new simulating method is proposed. A simple interface element including two nodes, called the generalized joint element here, is suggested. Its fundamental equations are deduced, and its element organization method is offered. Using the generalized joint elements to simulate the joint in rock, it is necessary to increase the elements compared to the finite element mesh, and not necessary to change or increase the nodes. Numerical experiments of simulation of a rock joint indicate that the generalized joint element method is effective, and the accuracy of stress with the generalized joint elements is equal to that with the traditional ones.