A new box-shaped prefabricated inverted arch structure was designed. The mechanical characteristics and failure mode of the box-shaped prefabricated inverted arch were studied by indoor physical model test combined with digital photographic measurement technology, and the stress law of the lining and invert were studied by numerical simulation in actual working conditions. Results show that the tensile effect generated under vertical load is the main reason for the crack generation and development of the prefabricated inverted arch, while the horizontal pressure has no obvious effect on the crack development of the prefabricated inverted arch. The joints of prefabricated blocks and the corners of columns in each prefabricated block are the weakest parts of the prefabricated inverted arch structure, and the joints and corners affect the safety of the prefabricated inverted arch structure. The displacement of the prefabricated inverted arch is symmetrically distributed with respect to the central axis, and the displacement is the middle prefabricated block, the left 1 prefabricated block, the left 2 prefabricated block and the left 3 prefabricated block in order from large to small. The failure of the box-shaped prefabricated inverted arch can be divided into 3 stages: loading compaction, elastoplastic deformation and plastic failure. When acting with the lining, the upper part of the inverted arch is mainly subjected to tensile stress, while the lower part is mainly subjected to pressure. Experimental results show that the self-designed inverted arch structure has good mechanical performance.