Abstract: In order to obtain the circular roadway deformation and failure characteristics and the anchoring effect in layered rock mass, by using CM60/10 plane strain test-bed and combing with three-axis servo testing machine, through the method of similar material simulation, we loaded initial circular roadway with 400 m depth in layered mass step by step. The deformation and failure characteristics of surrounding rock of roadway under no supporting state and bolt-mesh-cable-shotcrete support state were analyzed. Experimental result shows that under no supporting state, the two sides of surrounding rock became the shape of “wedge”. Taking roadway waist line as the center, two sides of shallow surrounding rock appear mutually vertical movement; the rock whose shape is “crescent” dropped from the roof, and the floor appears bulge obviously, and the deformation and failure characteristics of surrounding rock were serious; under no supporting conditions, roadway roof subsidence and floor heave quantity of bottom increased obviously in the late loading; under the condition of the same ground stress and anchorage support, amount of floor heave at the bottom and the subsidence of roof were basically linear growth in slow rate. It showed that the supporting controlled the deformation and failure effectively.