On the basis of quantitatively analyzing the relationship between compaction quality and compaction parameters, a comprehensive optimizing model with objectives of construction effectiveness, compacted density, and quality guarantee rate has been established in this paper. An adaptive t distribution mutation-firework algorithm(ATM-FWA)for the model was presented to achieve the economically reasonable compaction parameters for the construction of high earth-rock dam. The proposed method can contribute to search a reasonable compaction parameter scheme with less field compaction tests. A case study shows that ATM-FWA has more advantages than the traditional optimal methods in the convergence performance, searching effectiveness, and solution stability. The compaction density and porosity of earth-rock dam material using the optimized compaction parameters can satisfy the design requirement. Thus, the proposed method provides a new way for the roller selecting and the compaction parameters optimization in the construction of an earth-rock dam.