The stress and strain along the rod body was complicated under special shape and multiple types of loads, which played an important role in its long-term stability in service. The stress and strain characteristics and evolution rules of normal and defective rebar rockbolts under different working conditions were analyzed by numerical simulation based on laboratory tensile testing and DIC monitoring, in view of the complex and varied stress and strain of rockbolt and the difficulty of accurate measurement. The main conclusions were as follows: The maximum stress, maximum true strain and maximum plastic strain of rockbolt increased gradually with the increase of load value and type. When the rockbolt had defects, the stress and strain at the defect site were obviously concentrated, while the shape and location of defects affected the stress and strain distribution rules. Due to the existence of thread, transverse rib structure and defects, local stress and strain concentration generated in the rod body of rockbolt and the plastic strain was also larger. The sites of plastic strain concentration were prone to develop into the source of cracks under the influences of high load and corrosion, and then lead to the failure of rockbolt. The relevant conclusions can provide reference for structure optimization, condition monitoring and life prediction of rockbolt.