Abstract: The field investigation observed that there are a large number of cracks on the surface of a slope. The presence of these fractures is adversely affecting the stability of the slope, especially under seismic conditions. Therefore, the study on the stability of the cracked slope is particularly important. Using the conventional limit equilibrium upper limit analysis method, combined with the strength reduction and the quasi-static methods, factor of safety of the fractured slope at different zones is then derived and the influence of earthquakes and presence of fractures on the stability of slope are investigated. The results show that the presence of fissures will reduce the factor of safety of slopes by up to more than 20%, and the earthquakes also significantly affect the slope stability can be as much as more than 20%. The location of the fractures is also important, fractures that away from the slope have little impact on the stability.

Key words: Cracks, Seismic Loading Conditions, Factor of Safety, Distribution Area