Abstract: The strength reduction method in the finite element analysis is widely used in slope stability analysis. However, the analytical accuracy of the strength reduction method is controversial due to the various limitations. In this paper, the strength reduction method is used to calculate the factor of safety of a slope, and the results are compared with the results from the conventional limit equilibrium method. The influencing factors of the numerical analysis accuracy of the strength reduction method are investigated, and the application of the strength reduction method is verified throughout an example. The results indicate that, the element type has the largest influence on the accuracy of factor of safety to slope, while the number of elements and the search method of reduction coefficient have little influence on the accuracy of factor of safety of the slope. The factor of safety obtained by the strength reduction method is close to that of calculated by the limit equilibrium method, and the analytical error is very small. Further, it is very clear that the slope is circular sliding along the toe of the slope.

Key words: Slope Stability, Strength Reduction Method in Finite Element Analysis, Element Type, Computational Accuracy, Applicability