Which of the following is NOT a common failure mode of slopes in geotechnical engineering?

In geotechnical engineering, common failure modes of slopes include rotational failure, translational failure, and toppling failure. Each of these types of failures is associated with specific conditions of instability in soil or rock slopes.

Rotational failure occurs when a slope fails along a curved surface, creating a rotational slide. This often involves a large volume of material that moves downwards undermining the integrity of the slope.

Translational failure involves sliding along a planar surface, leading to a rapid movement of material down the slope. This type of failure is typically associated with a well-defined sliding plane.

Toppling failure is characterized by the forward rotation of a mass of soil or rock around a point, usually at or near the base of the slope. This may occur in steeply sloped materials that are fractured or layered.

Conversely, compression failure is not recognized as a common slope failure mode in geotechnical contexts. Although compression can lead to material failure under certain conditions, it typically involves the compressive force exerted on materials rather than the sliding or falling movements typical of slope failures. Thus, it does not fit within the standard classifications of slope failure modes.