Abstract: Based on the faulting model test device designed by us and the PIV technique, the rupture process of overlaying soil due to reverse faulting under an inclined ground is studied. The emphasis of the study is put on the influence of surface inclination on the law of faulting rupture propagation, the deformation of soil and surface, etc. The study results show that the bedrock displacement increases with the inclining degree of the surfaces. The propagation angles of ruptures near the ground surfaces are more consistent with the predictions of Rankine theory for different grounds, while the predictions of Roscoe theory and Vermeer theory exhibit larger errors. The shear strain, normal strain and equivalent strain of the soil on the hanging wall are all larger than those on the foot wall during reverse faulting. The displacement of the bedrock has positive influence on the soil displacement and the displacement gradient with the inclining degree of the surfaces. Combined with field test data, the studies on the protection distance of the buildings and structures from the fault show that the protection distance of the buildings and structures on the hanging wall should be larger than those on the foot wall. When the surface inclination angle changes from positive to negative, the protection distance of the buildings and structures on the hanging wall should increase accordingly.