The deterioration processes of surrounding rock of Xiaozhai Tunnel on YunGui Railway during excavation and supporting and after supporting are simulated by laboratory model experiments; and the surrounding rock pressure, displacement and internal force of the secondary lining are studied during deterioration progress. The study results show that: (1) The stiffness of the lining has an significant influence on the deformation control of argillaceous rock tunnel. (2) The larger the stiffness of the lining is, the larger the surrounding rock pressure, the internal force and maximum bending moment are, and the lining is more prone to cracking. (3) For the actual situation of Xiaozhai Tunnel, primary support with a thickness of 30 cm + I25b steel frame + C35 reinforced concrete with a diameter of 40 cm is a better supporting structure.