Abstract: Slices models for slope stability analysis, such as Sweden simplified method, Bishop simplified method, etc, are still the mainstream methods of slope analysis and evaluation. However, due to the rigid body assumption, how to simplify and calculate the forces between rigid slices is the most critical problem for slices model. A reasonable simplified condition will result in a solving approach to different methods, and also is the main and direct reason that affects the difference of calculation results. However, even a simplified condition must be given, slices methods are still important means of the analysis of slope stability at present. Considering the fact existing, this paper attempts to present a more reasonable approach to calculate the force between slices. In this study, the forces between slices will not be simplified by adopting the cellular automata method, and the forces will be obtained by an iterative solution so that the only statically determinate convergent solution is obtained for the statically indeterminate slope slices model. The corresponding program software CASlope is developed. Example results show that this approach is feasible and the results are reasonable.

Key words: slope, slices analysis method, cellular automata, spring model