Abstract: The surface deformation and failure caused by movement of seismic faults is one of the difficulties in engineering field evaluation. How to reasonably avoid the co-seismic surface rupture zone is a problem that must be solved in engineering site selection. The key is whether the surface deformation evolution characteristics in the process of fault dislocation can be accurately predicted. Here, based on the high-precision monitoring data obtained in the geotechnical centrifugal model tests, the surface deformation and slope variation of the overlying soil with the thickness of 40 m and dip angle of 60° under different bedrock dislocations are quantitatively analyzed, and the surface deformation is divided into stable zone, inclined deformation zone and severe deformation zone. Finally, based on the standard of dangerous buildings appraisal in China, the surface setback distance formula for reverse faults under the influences of dislocation quantity, earthquake magnitude and soil thickness is given, and then a practical surface setback prediction method for reverse faults is established. The relevant results make it possible to solve the complex problem of surface deformation caused by strong earthquakes, which has certain theoretical and practical significance for further understanding and studying the surface deformation caused by movement of reverse faults and the revision of the relevant codes.