Abstract: Uses PFC2D to set up the model of reflecting the microstructure of cohesive soil. Then, numerical shear tests with different directions are carried out. The shear stress-strain curves and shear strain-volumetric strain curves are obtained. The elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio, bulk modulus and shear modulus under different directions are calculated from the numerical curves. The shear peak strength of cohesive soil in each direction is further studied. Basically, the peak shear strength reduces from the vertical to the horizontal orientations. The results show the feasibility of using PFC2D to model the anisotropic behavior of cohesive soil with the consideration of its internal micro-structure.