A three-dimensional finite element analysis of the model of the Nuozhadu core wall rockfill dam is performed to make a comparison of the two loading-unloading criteria commonly used in the Duncan-Chang model. The influences of the value of the rebound modulus on stress and deformation of the dam are analyzed. The results demonstrate that in the process of construction and impounding, the loading and unloading criterion based on the loading function (law 1 for short) will lead to a bigger unloading fracture zone. The calculation of settlement in this law is nearly half of that in the loading and unloading criteria based on stress level s and deviatoric stress (σ₁-σ₃) (law 2 for short). The alternative of loading-unloading criteria has little influence on the stress of dam. Monitoring data of Nuozhadu rockfill dam demonstrates that the calculation of settlement is more accurate in law 2. In case of taking law 2 as the loading and unloading criteria, the influence of modulus of resilience mainly shows that the settlement of impounding dam is decreased when modulus of resilience increase.