The seismic loading scheme and constitutive model of emulation material are studied for the dynamic failure model test, and the differences between the damage induced by complete loading and the cumulative damage by step loading are discussed. Examples of a frame structure and a hydraulic concrete structure are used to clarify the damage developing mechanism. The results show that the step loading scheme, similarity of the module, and emulation strength can meet the requirements for the dynamic failure model tests to obtain dynamic characteristics and earthquake acceleration amplitudes that correspond respectively to the damage initiation and ultimate failure, but cannot capture the developing process of failure patterns of the mass concrete structure by a shaking model test. Thus, it is acceptable to adopt some simplified measures according to the test objectives when carrying out a shaking model test.