Abstract: Discontinuity shear strength is one of the most important mechanical properties of structural surface.Nearly half a century，scholars in the field related to the subject have researched deeply and achieved fruitful results.First，the status quo model of structural shear strength is summed up and the characteristics of each model are described.And then，the each model from the essential characteristics，practicality and focus of shear strength are analyzed and evaluated.Finally，it is believed that ①the morphology of structure surface，which is an important factor affecting shear strength，is most complex and most difficult to be quantified.So，in the characterization of anisotropy of structure surface，a lot of research works remain to be done.②The reasonableness of the parameters of anisotropy and size effect about structural surface is required to verify by mechanical testing.The application of 3D printing technology can effectively solve the difficulty that the rock mass structural plane can not be tested repeatedly.It is expected to make a breakthrough in the field of anisotropy and size effect about structural plane; ③Anisotropy and size effect of discontinuity shear strength should be studied by dialectical thinking.In this way，the model can help to accurately estimate the engineering shear strength of rock mass.

Key words: Rock mechanics, Shear strength, Discontinuity, Research progress