In order to analyze seepage feature and seepage failure mechanisms of seawall under flood infiltration, a numerical model for saturated-unsaturated and unsteady seepage flow analysis considering soil permeability variation with seepage failure process was established. And the corresponding finite element computation program was made. Numerical simulation of flood seepage for typical section of real seawall was carried out by use of the program. The computed results were compared with the measured results of field test, which shows good agreement. Based on the numerical simulation results, it can be seen that flood seepage of seawall is a saturated-unsaturated and unsteady seepage flow process and seepage failure of seawall is caused by long time flood infiltration under large seepage gradient. Therefore, upon the flood infiltration, seepage failure of the seawall is a very complicated process, which involves soil permeability variation with seepage failure process and saturated-unsaturated/unsteady seepage flow. It is questionable to use the steady seepage analysis method to simulate seepage failure process of seawall.