Dai-guo et al. apply 3D finite-element strength-reduction (SSR) techniques to analyse slope stability under various loading and stratigraphic conditions. The paper demonstrates that 3D SSR captures spatial distribution of shear strain, progressive failure and complex slip surfaces not visible in 2D SSR. Case studies show that 3D factors of safety differ significantly from 2D values when geometry or stratigraphy vary in the out-of-plane direction.
