Since the safety, durability and adaptability to environment of roller compacted concrete (RCC) dams are related to the safe operation, and especially the interlayer bonding quality can directly affect the seepage resistance and the interlayer anti-sliding stability, the safety status of RCC dams were overall elaborated. Concentrated on the mechanical behavior and the service performance of RCC dams, advances in the aspects of bonding performance, mechanical characteristics, temperature change effect, seepage analysis, safety monitoring and comprehensive evaluation were reviewed. It should be highlighted the basic theory and methodology of the interactive evolution mechanism of RCC materials and structures, the deterioration mechanism of RCC dam performance during long-term operation, corresponding identification and early warning methodologies, and intervention technologies as well should be further investigated in the future.