A slope may undergo to any one of the following types of failure
1) Rotational failure
This types of failure occurs by rotation along a slip surface by downward and outward movement of soil mass. The slip surface is generally circular for homogeneous soil conditions and non-circular in case of non-homogeneous conditions.
2) Translation failure
The slope fails making failure plane nearly parallel to slope.
3) Compound failure
A compound failure is the combination of the rotational and translational failure.
4) Wedge failure
A failure inclined plane is called palne failure or wedge failure or block failure. It occurs when distinct blocks and wedge of soil mass become separated.
