Based on anisotropy failure criterion with the method of macro-meso incorporation

failure properties of sand considering rotation of principal stress axis are analyzed. The criterion is a function of loading stress

degree of fabric anisotropy and geometric relationship between fabric and stress. So it can describe the effect of mesostructure on failure properties with any rotation angle of principal stress axis. According to the characteristics of hollow cylindrical torsional shear tests

the failure expression considering rotation of principal stress axis is derived in general orthogonal coordinate system. Considering the geometric relationship between loading stress and sand meso-fabric

the established expression can analyze failure properties under the condition of principal stress axis rotation. Rotations of principal stress axis cause the changes of failure properties when anisotropy exists. The greater degree of anisotropic causes the more change of failure. There isn’t any change when the material is isotropic. Therefore

it is indicated that the nature reasons of different failure properties under the condition of principal stress axis rotation is the exist of anisotropy. The verification with hollow cylindrical test results show that the established expression can describe the failure properties with different angles of loading stress. The different failure properties caused by sand anisotropy under the condition are verified preliminarily.