Abstract: Traditional experiments in soil mechanics cannot show the internal seepage deformation, which makes it difficult for students to intuitively understand the basic principle of seepage failure. A visual seepage failure device was developed using particle tracing technology, computerised tomography and digital image processing technology based on synthetical transparent soil. Taking the piping of sandy gravel as an example, particle transport characteristics were directly shown in the overall seepage process, including incubation, formation, evolution and destruction, which verified the reliability of the experimental device. Besides, a new teaching model was established by considering the main subject of students' independent innovation, including the teaching and learning platform of visual experiments as well as the school-enterprise cooperation and education platform.