Abstract: A bulk cargo wharf yard foundation contained a weak layer of muddy clay, although two side foundations of the yard were reinforced by cement mixing piles. However, a sliding failure as well as lateral translation collapse occurred where the thickest muddy clay was during the fill of ore heap on trial. In order to find the real reason for the sliding failure and lateral translation collapse and to provide the design basis and reference for repair, a large centrifugal model, test was conducted. The filling process of the ore heap was simulated, and the vertical and horizontal displacement deformation of the surface of the ore heap and the yard foundation was measured. Firstly, the turning points of the displacement and deformation development were identified, and the critical point of stability and the ultimate bearing capacity of yard foundation were obtained. Secondly, based on the displacement field on the cross section of yard ground under the load of the ore heap, the failure mode and the development process of the sliding and translation failure of the bulk cargo wharf foundation were analyzed and discussed. The results showed that in the filling of the ore heap, its shallow subsoil subsidence and sliding failure first appeared due to its insufficient bearing capacity. Secondly, the subsidence of shallow subsoil occupied the space of underlying soft muddy clay layer, forcing it to lateral translation towards the side of the Nanliu River, resulting in a wider range of collapse.