An extension version of discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) is presented. In order to calculate the safety factor of slope
the shear strength reduction technique is accomplished in the self-developed DDA program. Two examples
one is a high rock slope and the other one is a gravity dam
are simulated using this extended DDA program. From the results
we can find that the stability safety factor of rock slope can be calculated by DDA with shear strength reduction. But the safety factor of gravity dam from DDA is lower than that from limited equilibrium method and FEM. DDA coupled with FEM can give a reasonable factor of safety. The results show that DDA or DDA coupled FEM with shear strength reduction technique can be used to calculate the factor of safety and simulate the failure process of slopes.