Progress in Analysis of Slope Stability

In this paper the progress in analysis on slope stability by limit equilibrium and finite element methods was introduced. Based on limit equilibrium, an equation for calculating the safety factors of stability of multi step slope and the angle of sliding surface has been derived, which is important for design of rock slope. A united equation for present various slice methods has been derived. For non strict slice method the safety factor can be obtained by one equilibrium equation given the orientation of force action between the slices. For strict slice method the safety factor can be obtained by two equilibrium equations given the orientation or the point of force action between the slices. The united equation is a simple iterative one and the calculation can be performed simply with high accuracy. Two methods for obtaining safety factors of slope stability by FEA have been presented. One of which is based on the limit equilibrium method with arch search for soil slope and arrangement of joint element on sliding surface for rock slope. The another one is a strength reduction of finite elements for application of large software, which is a new method for safety factor of slope stability. [