M.D. Fredlund and co-authors describe benchmark testing used to verify a 3D slope-stability software engine (SVSLOPE 3D). The paper summarises comparisons against published benchmarks, analytical solutions, and reference solutions from other software. It highlights issues in determining correct reference factors of safety, the role of tension cracks, general sliding surfaces, and complex pore-water pressure fields. The work demonstrates how 3D geometries can differ significantly from 2D, often producing more realistic failure mechanisms and factors of safety.
