ABSTRACT
There are two most common methods of slope stability analysis (Cai et al. 2002). One is Limit equilibrium method, which is a traditional and mature slope stability analysis method, assuming that the soil is rigid and meets the principle of static equilibrium. In fact, slope instability and failure is a complex mechanical process, and the simple limit equilibrium method cannot analyze consistent the failure mechanism of slopes (Zheng & Tian 2005, Hu et al. 2013). Thus, the application of this method is greatly restricted; Another one is numerical simulation method. With the increase of maturity and improvement of numerical simulation software, the whole process of steady state can be analyzed by using a more rigorous theoretical system of stress-strain considering the actual situation, such as physical and mechanical properties of rock mass and geological and hydrogeological (Li et al. 2012, Wang et al. 2010). However, numerical simulation method cannot give a definite slip surface just like Limit equilibrium methods. Therefore, the best way for slope stability analysis and optimization design is combining the numerical method and limit equilibrium method (Cai et al. 2004, 2012).
