Researching on the dynamic response of the rock slopes with weak layer has become an important issue in slope stability analysis. In order to discuss the influences of dynamic response of rock slope by weak layer’s characteristics and provide the directions and guidance for slope disaster prevention and mitigation under the dynamic load

the distinct element models are built and dynamic response of rock slopes with weak layer under seismic force are simulated by the universal distict element code(UDEC). After simulating in different conditions: various dip angles

burial depths

elastic moduli

thicknesses

Poisson's ratios and shear stiffness factors of the weak layer

the amplitude values of slope crest and bottom are obtained and the amplification coefficients are calculated; through systematically analyze the amplification coefficients

the amplification law of slope crest which influenced by seismic wave is got

namely

with increasing of dip angle

the amplification coefficient demonstrates increase→decrease→reincrease→decrease law

and appears response weakening phenomenon at the decreased parts. Along with burial depth and thickness increasing of weak layer

the amplification become bigger

but it decreases with elastic modulus and the shear stiffness increasing; the amplification almost doesn’t change with increasing of Poisson's ratio. Combining with the non-repetitive test binary analysis of variance evaluation theory

the obtained slope amplification coefficients are analyzed; and then

it is obtained that the significant factors which contribute to the slope dynamic response from great to small are the dip angle

burial depth

elastic modulus

shear stiffness

thickness

Poisson's ratio of the weak layer. The results are helpful to further researches on the slope instability mechanism under earthquake

and can provide the significante guidance to slope disaster prevention in earthquake region.