Abstract: Based on the framework of continuum−discontinuum element method (CDEM), the rock damage fracture model and explosion gas adiabatic expansion model are introduced. The numerical analysis of progressive failure process of bedding step slope under explosive load is carried out, and the influence of blasting distance, structural plane occurrence and structural plane strength on the failure characteristics of bedding step slope is discussed. The results show that under the action of blasting the tensile-shear composite failure will occur on the bedding structural plane. The larger the structural plane dip angle is, the lower the structural plane strength should be, and the smaller the blasting distance is, the greater the probability of failure of bedding slope will be. Compared with the blasting distance, the strength of structural plane has a greater influence on the fracture area. With the increase of strength, the fracture area decreases rapidly.