Abstract: Through laboratory model tests, the following discussions are performed based on macrostructure and microstructure: the vertical displacements varying with depth, the distribution of maximum principal strain and maximum shear strain of clay soil slopes, creep properties and crack functionary mechanism of clay soil slopes respectively under loading. The results show that, with the increase in loading, the values of creep increase microstructure of soil slopes. Creep of soil slopes can be considered as the process of damage, and process of energy dissipation of microstructure of soil slopes; and anisotropy of damage is made clear. The longer time of loading is, the larger vertical creep and damage accumulation of soil slopes is. At the top and inclined slope of soil slopes, damage becomes serious; and cracks appeared. The top of soil slopes, the values of vertical displacement are bigger than lateral displacement; on the contrary, at the bottom of soil slopes, the values of lateral displacement are larger than that of vertical displacement.

Key words: clay soil slopes, model test, loading, displacement field and strain field, creep, damage