Stress analysis of flathead shaped slope in highway excavated slope is conducted with advancing exterminating methods of shear sliding section at the toe of slope

and pointing out that in the range of shear sliding section

depressed shear strength of geotechincal mass will result in knock-down of slope stability. Examples show that with consideration of differences of mechanical properties in shear sliding section

maximum dangerous slide face by method of limit equilibrium will degenerate into vice dangerous slide face; and stepping slope face will dissipate stress concentration at the toe of slope.