Abstract: The excavation will cause the failure of the shallow part of the rock slope. Limit equilibrium method and strength reduction method are used to research stability of bedding jointed rock slope. We systematically analyze the effect of joint inclination, damage length and degree on safety factor and failure process. Results show that the relationship between joint inclination and safety factor is closely related. The safety factor first decreases then increases with the decrease of joint inclination. The preferred joint inclination range is between 35°and 45°. The safety factor decreases with the increase of the length of damaged joint, and the relationship is approximately linear. It is more easily to result in stress concentration on top of the rock slope with joint damage. To make the slope more prone to instability, the failure mode of the slope is along the joint plane slide. The joint damage degree has a significant effect on the stability of slope. The longer of the length of the joint damage, the more obvious of the influence of joint damage degree on the stability of the slope. The research results could provide reference for the slope excavation.