Considering the structural characteristics and operation characteristics of high-arch dams, and based on the shortcomings of existing research in the aspects of fractional-order element models, physical and mechanical parameter inversion of concrete dams, and deformation safety monitoring development of concrete dams, a research proposal is developed based on the fractional-order modeling theory to scientifically monitor the deformation behavior of high arch dams in operating conditions. Fractional-order numerical simulation of deformation characteristics of high arch dams and fractional-order model-based deformation safety monitoring approaches of single observation point and observation point group are two interrelated scientific problems of the research proposal. The main research process is as follows, fractional element model construction, physical and mechanical parameter inversion, deformation monitoring of single observation point, deformation monitoring of observation point group.Basic to in-depth, simple to complex, phenomenon to essence, theory to application, local to whole, one-dimensional to multidimensional are the research principles. Three key scientific and technical problems should be solved to realize the research proposal, which are fractional-order element model of accelerated rheology of high arch dams in three-dimensional high stress state, elastic and viscoelastic parameter inversion of fractional element model, and fractional-order analysis model of time-dependent deformation of high arch dams. Keywords: fractional-order modeling; high arch dam; deformation behavior; safety monitoring; numerical simulation; parameter inversion 〖FL