Abstract: In this work, the pseudo-dynamic method is introduced to evaluate the seismic stability of multi-level slopes reinforced with piles. Based on the kinematic limit analysis and the strength improvement technique, a horn failure mechanism is adopted to calculate the safety factors of the 3D complex slope reinforced by a row of piles. Comparisons between the solutions of pseudo-static method and the presented results show that the proposed technique is effective. Through parametric analysis, the influence law of each factor on the safety factor Fs is explored, and it is shown that multi-level slopes are safer than single-level slopes. In addition, in the seismic design of 3D complex slopes, piles can effectively improve the stability of slopes. Finally, the suggestions are provided for the seismic design of 3D complex slopes reinforced with piles.

Key words: 3D complex slope, pseudo-dynamic method, kinematic limit analysis, seismic design