This paper uses both linear and nonlinear strength parameters in several typical rockfill dams’ slope stability analysis

clarifies the intrinsic factors that lead to the differences; the position of critical sliding surface is considered to be shallow

thus

shearing strength of coarse grained materials at low confining pressure is vital in slope stability analysis. Based on statistics of rockfills in several typical rockfill dams at home and abroad

power function strength criterion proposed by De Mello is thought to be more reasonable to express coarse grained soils’ strength in its whole confining pressure range. By drafting dam slopes with different heights and gradients

working stress ranges are determined. This study suggested a method to specify the linear strength parameters based on working stress ranges

these linear strength parameters have a good consistent with nonlinear parameters in slope stability analysis.