Abstract: There are differences between explicit and implicit solution methods in design expression, definition of slip resistance etc., resulting in disputes between the two methods in terms of stability factor (safety factor) K and slip resistance of the proposed project. In view of the above problems, the specific differences between the obvious solution and the implicit solution are firstly illustrated through the comparison of examples. Secondly, the method of reliability is introduced to calculate the slope reliability index, the reason for the difference between the two methods is analyzed through the corresponding relation with the safety factor. The results show that under the same safety factor, the slip resistance of the proposed project obtained by the implicit solution is amplified, resulting in a great difference of the anti-sliding structure designed by the two methods. Under the same design parameters, the stability factor (safety factor) K of the explicit solution is not equivalent to the implicit solution, thus their corresponding reliability indexes are different. The stability factor (safety factor) between the two methods can’t be unified. The research can be used to guide the engineering design and related standards.

Key words: slope, stability, transfer coefficient method, explicit solution, implicit solution, reliability index