The aim of this paper is to delve into non-linear deformation behavior of a concrete faced rockfill (CFR) dam under strong ground motions. For this purpose, a typical CFR dam with its reservoir water is considered in the analysis. Reservoir water is modeled using the fluid finite elements based on the Lagrangian approach. Freefield surface ground motions recorded during an earthquake are deconvolved at the base of the foundation in order to simulate correctly the design motion in the earthquake analysis. The Drucker-Prager model and the multi-linear kinematic hardening model are used for concrete slab and rockfill, respectively, for materially non-linearity. Non-linear behavior of the rockfill is obtained by the uniaxial stress-strain relation. Various joints in the CFR dam are modeled considering welded and friction contact. One-dimensional surface-tosurface contact-target element pair based on the Coulomb’s friction law is also used to provide the friction. The analysis expansively presents the horizontal and vertical displacements in concrete slab-rockfill interface and also horizontal displacements in dam-foundation interface. The results show that the maximum displacements appear when the friction is considered in the joints. Additionally, hydrodynamic pressure has increased the horizontal displacements of the dam. The horizontal displacements have also been increased by the effect of the non-linear behavior of the rockfill and concrete slab.