A limit equilibrium method for progressive failure analysis of slopes is proposed based on a technique of non-vertical slices . The local factors of safety are calculated by defining variable factor of safety instead of conventional single value factor of safety along a shear surface. Reasonable simplifying assumptions about the inter-slice forces and the line of thrust are made to render the problem statically determinate. Strain softening, though in an approximate manner, is considered in the

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... solution procedure. The analysis of a field case history indicates that the proposed method realistically represent the behaviour of progressive failure of an actual slope. Another case study revealed that in certain conditions a reasonable solution can be obtained using non -vertical slice approach, but the vertical slice analysis does not work well in obtaining reliable results . The proposed method, which can also handle vertical slice division, enables the user to choose more appropriate results either from vertical or from non-vertical slice analyses.