Abstract: This paper describes the types of crack due to deformation of the earth-rock embankment and the causes of cracking. By the analyzing of observed data of Chinese and foreign's operated dams, some empirical rules between deformation and cracking were established. The relation between deformation and stress was explained with nonlinear elastic increment theory, and the method of checking the cracking rupture was also given. It follows that, minimizing the deformation as well as maintaining the deformations of each zone compatibly was the criteria of avoiding cracking. In consequence, to improve the density of the compacted fill is main way to meet the requirement previously mentioned. At the end of the paper, standard density of several compacted embankment materials and their compaction method were proposed.