Based on the property of differential settlement of embankment foundation, models of discontinuous and continuous settlement are established. Through finite element model calculation, the discipline of subgrade surface deformation caused by differential settlement of the foundation is studied, and the results of finite element calculation are verified by centrifugal model tests. The limit value of differential settlement of the ground is established. The research results show that the limit value of differential settlement raises as the embankment height or transition length of differential settlement increases.