The typical water sensitivity of loess is the main factor affecting the instability and destruction of infrastructure on the Loess Plateau. Due to frequent dry-wet cycles(D-W cycles) caused by seasonal rainfall, groundwater level fluctuations, and other conditions, loess is often in an irreversible state of cumulative damage. In order to explore the impact of D-W cycles on the structural properties, the D-W cycles test, Scanning electron microscope test, and unconfined compression test were used. The effects of D-W cycles (D-W cycles times N, lower limit water content w1) on the basic physical properties, mechanical properties, energy storage characteristics, and microstructure of loess were revealed. Results show that the mechanical properties are most significantly affected during the initial D-W cycle. As the w1 increases, the reduction in strength attributable to the first D-W cycle ranges from 169.65 kPa to 5.64 kPa, representing a decrease of 15.24%. The application of energy conservation principles has elucidated that the energy storage characteristics of loess are compromised by D-W cycles. Based on the D-W durability index Di and water stability coefficient Ki, the initial structural parameters M is established. Verification of the evolution of initial structural parameters was achieved by correlating basic physical properties, strength parameters, and energy storage characteristics. Structural parameters provide a quantitative description method that can accurately capture the structural evolution of loess during D-W cycles. The research results provide a significant theoretical reference for disaster prediction in collapsible loess areas.