Abstract: In order to study the applicability of distributed optical fiber sensing technology in similar material model experiment detection, BOTDA and PPP-BOTDA distributed optical fiber sensing technology are applied to measure overlying strata deformation of similar material model. Two sensing fibers are embedded horizontally in model to detect overburden deformation. The test is carried out in two stages, and two kinds of distributed optical fiber sensing technology are used to measure defor mation of rock strata, and measured results are contrasted with overlying strata movement status, dial indicator, total station and rock collapse width. The results showe d that distributed optical fiber sensing technology achieved distributed measurement of similar material simulation experiment, optical fiber measurement results and ov erlying strata movement status, dial indicator, total station measurement results had good corresponding relationship, measuring rock collapse width was accurate. The spatial resolution directly influences accuracy of the model test results; PPP-BOTDA distributed optical fiber sensing technology with high spatial resolution is more suit able for the distributed measurement of similar material model experiment.