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Various calculations carried out illustrate perfectly benefits that can be gained from modeling the behavior by the finite elements method. The application of these various methods on a concrete case permits more than their comparison to highlight all previously mentioned elements. These methods have several advantages: to model slopes with a degree of very high realism (complex geometry, sequences of loading, presence of material for reinforcement, action of water, laws for complexes soil behavior…) and to better visualize the deformations in soils in place. With continuous improvement of the computer performance, the use of the finite elements in calculations of stability has been developed. However they do not take into account the ground behavior and the safety factors are supposed to be constant along the failure surface. These methods remain popular because of their simplicity and the reduced number of parameters they require, which are slope geometry, topography, geology, static and dynamic loads, geotechnical parameters and hydrogeologic conditions. The slope stability analysis is performed with the limit equilibrium method based on assumptions about the sliding surface shape. The integration of the constitutive laws of soils and the use of field’s results tests in finite elements models predict the failure mode, to better approach the real behavior of slope soil formations and to optimize its reinforcement. In the finite elements analysis, the shape of deformations localization in the slope is nearly circular and confirms the shape of the failure line which constitutes the basic assumption of the analytical methods. The calculation of the safety factors did not note any significant difference between the two approaches. An analysis of stability was applied to a slope, of complex geometry, composed of alternating sandstone and marls using finite elements and limit equilibrium methods. The use of the finite elements in calculations of stability has to overcome the weakness of the traditional methods. However, major disadvantages of these methods are (1) they do not take into account the soil behavior and (2) the complex cases cannot be studied with precision. Several methods were developed of which certain remain applicable because of their simplicity. Since 1930, the analysis of slope stability is done according to the limit equilibrium approach. Keywords: Conventional Methods Finite Elements Safety Factor Slopes Stability 3GIE Laboratory, Mohammadia Engineering School, Mohammed V-Agdal University, Rabat, MoroccoĮmail: Decemrevised Januaccepted January 17, 2012