Abstract: The stress evaluation based on adaptive finite element method is discussed.An optimized mesh,which is generated under control of a given global error limit,is used to evaluate stresses.The Zienkiewicz-Zhu a posteriori error estimator and corresponding h-version adaptive strategy are employed.The linear elastic adaptive finite element analysis is applied to a typical gravity dam.Results indicate that error limit is satisfied after several mesh adaptation.There exists a global error limit,which make the stresses at dam heel and toe asymptotically keep stabilization rather than increase without limit.As a global error limit 3% is suggested.