The finite element method(FEM) is a powerful numerical analysis technique

which is applied widely in the simulation of geotechnical engineering structures. As the limitation of element shape in traditional FEM and the geometrical complexity of structures

such as layered construction and complicated material partition etc

a versatile and high-quality meshing discrete algorithm is comparatively difficult to implement

resulting in the majority time is consumed in element generation

which hinder the rapid process of automated analysis. In this paper

a swift analysis method combining the quadtree discretization and nonlinear polygon scaled boundary finite element method(PSBFEM) is developed to conduct the elastoplastic simulation of geotechnical structures. The static and seismic response of a typical core wall dam is modelled

and the validity of presented method is verified by comparing with the FEM. Simple operation

flexibility of the meshing

rapid generation and high-quality can be revealed in the proposed method

where the cumbersome human intervention can be decreased significantly

so as to provide a powerful technique for the rapid automatic analysis of complicated structures. There will be more meaningful research value and engineering significance to explore three-dimensional application of the method.