The failure mechanism of two-dimensional（2D） and three-dimensional（3D） slopes were investigated by using the strength reduction method.An extensive study of 3D effect was conducted with respect to boundary conditions,shear strength and concentrated surcharge load.The results obtained by 2D and 3D analyses were compared and the applicable scope of 2D and 3D method was analyzed.The results of the numerical simulation show that 3D effect is sensitive to the width of slip surface.As for slopes with specific geometry,3D effect is influenced by dimensionless parameter c/（γHtanφ）.For those infinite slopes with local loading,external load has the major impact on failure mode.For those slopes with local loading and geometric constraints,the failure mode is influenced by both factors.With the increase of loading length,boundary condition exerts a more significant impact on the failure mode,and then 2D and 3D stability charts are developed,which provides a rapid and reliable way to calculate 2D and 3D factor of safety without iteration.Finally,a simple and practical calculation procedure based on the study of 3D effect and stability charts is proposed to recognize the right time to apply 2D or 3D method.
