By model tests,the working condition of compression-type anchors in a man-made soil slope is simula- ted under the surface-loading.Then,the axial strain characteristics of the anchor bars in each row are investigated under the step-loading,and the changes of the strain with the loading time are also discussed.The results show that (1) for a man-made slope,the most dangerous stage under the surface loading appears during the load trans- ferring,and an additional load will be added to the anchors when the slope is compacted by the surface-loading; (2) under a small load,the bottom anchors in the range of the compacted soil integrally move downward under the compaction and bear no axial force,but the top and middle anchors with their grouted sections beyond the compac- ted soil are loaded with less tension that is caused by the landslide displacement; (3) under a middle load,the soil is still in the compacted process,and the axial strain distribution of each anchor along its length shows little change; and (4) under a high load,the anchorage sections of all anchors play a gradually active role in strengthe- ning the slope and jointly bear the slope sliding force until the slope failure.