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Abstract Based on two-dimensional vector sum method(VSM)，the determination of the whole sliding direction of slope with 3D vector sum method is put forward；and initial sliding direction can be obtained by current stress state. Then the whole sliding direction and the factor of safety with this method is solved. This method is used in several 3D examples；and the results demonstrate that the factors of safety are in good agreement with that of the limit equilibrium method，and the results are not sensitive to element sizes of the slip surfaces. Finally，this new method is applied to the foundation stability analysis of dam section No.26 in the Three Gorges Project. Four slip paths designated through detailed investigation are analyzed with the plane vector sum method and the 3D vector sum method. The calculating results with the 3D vector sum method show that the factors of safety with the 3D vector sum method are larger than that with the 2D method；and the factor of safety of the deep slip paths is larger than the shallow ones，greater than 1.0. Therefore，the dam section No.26 under the current loads in the Three Gorges Project is safe. This new method is clear in physics and mechanics，and only one time elastic calculation or elastoplastic calculation，and the 3D factor of safety of potential sliding mass can be achieved without too many artificial assumptions. The process of this new analysis method is simple and easy to use in practical engineering projects.
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Received: 03 July 2009
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