Abstract: In order to explore the influence of strip defects with different dip angles on sandstone strength and its failure evolution process, PFC^2D discrete element simulation software was used to set seven schemes with inclination angle φ of 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75° and 90°, the crack propagation, damage evolution and strength characteristics of the sandstone with strip defects were studied. The results show that the strip defect affects the crack initiation location and crack propagation path of the sample, and determines the final failure form of the sample to a certain extent; the initial damage strain of the sample is the smallest when the angle φ of strip defect is 30°, the initial damage strain of the sample is the largest when the angle φ is 45°, the damage strain range is the largest when the angle φ is 90°, the brittle failure degree is the highest when the angle φ is 60°; the strip defect has obvious deterioration effect on the peak strength, peak strain and elastic modulus of the sandstone, the deterioration degree is different under different inclination angle conditions, and the peak stress at the upper end of the defect structure is relatively high when the failure occurs.