Abstract:The failure of slope is a gradual accumulation process. Under the effect of many interior and exterior factors, some parts in the slope reach yield with the increase of stress, and sliding surface forms gradually till complete transfixion. With continuous increase of the plastic strain, overall failure happens on the slope. Traditional analysis method cannot display the mechanic conditions and the whole process of deformation, transfixion of sliding surfaces and failure. Meanwhile, FEM strength reduction can quantitatively show the deformation features and the process of occurrence and development of sliding surface. Based on the previous researches, the paper classifies slopes according to the features of rock and soil and the slope structure. Through analyzing the graphs of deformation and the nephograms of plastic strain under different reduction factors or safety factors, the researchers can directly find the deformation tendency of slopes and the whole process of the extension, transfixion and failure of sliding surface with the reduction of safety factor. So, the failure mechanism of slope can be found intuitively, which can provide effective basis for the prevention and governance of slopes.