Abstract: Based on an arched pipeline tunnel with straight walls passing through an active fault, the model test is conducted under the action of a reverse fault. The vertical displacement, strain, and internal force distribution of the lining are analysed. Additionally, the failure mechanism of the lining is explored in combination with the crack propagation morphology. The research results indicate that: the vertical displacement of the tunnel arch is distributed in an S-shape along the longitudinal direction. While the fault displacement is 50mm, the core affected area is within the fault, and the general affected area is 0.9D~3.7D along the fault displacement surface on the hanging wall side and 0.9D~2.6D along the footwall side, where D is the tunnel width. The lining near the fault displacement surface experiences tensile failure, with the peak tensile strain mainly occurring at the feet of the wall. The damage to the inverted arch, feet of the wall, and arch feet of the tunnel lining is more severe compared to other areas. Due to the intersection angle between the fault direction and the tunnel axis, the internal forces of the tunnel near the fault displacement surface show an asymmetric distribution. The axial force and bending moment in the 45° diagonal direction are relatively large, and the lining undergoes torsional and bending deformation. The stress on the wall feet, inverted arch, and arch shoulders is relatively unfavorable. The inverted arch and wall feet of the tunnel lining are longitudinally cracked and damaged, and the area near the fault displacement surface is accompanied by oblique shear failure of the arch feet and side walls.