Abstract: A three-dimensional continuum mechanics model for layered rock mass was established，and the 3D Hoffman strength criterion was introduced into stratified rock slope stability analysis. The 3D slope failure modes in different angles were simulated. The results show that when the discontinuities are horizontally distributed，shear stress acts as the leading role and leads to shear failure. When the discontinuities are vertically distributed，principal stress plays the leading role and leads to tilting failure because of the tensile stress. The failure mode acts from shear failure caused mainly by shear stress to tensile-shear stress caused by tensile-shear stress，and then to tensile failure caused mainly by tensile stress，when the strike of the strata is the same as the strike of the slope，and strata angle changes from 0° to 90°. In addition，shear and slip failure will occur more easily of the dip layered rock masses，but it will occur more hardly of the anti-dip layered rock slope that may have some small range damage but is overall stability. These research results can provide references for transverse isotropic slope design，support and monitoring.

Key words: Stratified rock mass, Slope, Transversely isotropic, Numerical simulation, Hoffman strength criterion