Abstract: The Virtual Laminated Element Method(VLEM)is applied to structural shape optimization. The basic idea of VLEM lies in the introduction of the concept of virtual layer. The virtual layer does not contain any real material at all, i.e., the elastic modulus of the virtual layer is zero. Because of the characteristics of VLEM, thickness values of the interior layer of the element are taken as design variables, meanwhile the element node coordinates determining exterior boundary remain fixed. Thus, initial finite element grids remain unchanged during optimization process and re-meshing is avoided. The finite element method, instead of the usual Arch-Beam Load Distribution Method, is applied to the structural analysis in the shape optimization of arch-dam. As an example, an I-shaped arch dam is studied to show the validity and applicability of the proposed method.