The distinct element method has been effectively applied to the analysis of stability and behavior of jointed rock masses. In this paper the modelling characteristics of different types of distinct element model were investigated. Arch tunnel examples were chosen to compare the calculation results of two computer codes, NURBM and CBLOCK, where the former is based on implicit algorithm, and the other on explicit one. CBLOCK calculations show that joint properties are very important parameters in the stability analysis and that the joint stiffness ratio associated with joint configuration could be used as an indicator, whereas NURBM differ from that. Some other disagreements were also identified.