有限元极限分析法兼有数值分析法与经典极限分析法两者的优点，特别适用于岩土工程的分析与设计。20世纪初，国内岩土工程界应用国际上通用程序，大力发展有限元极限分析法并拓宽其在岩土工程中的应用。在基本理论研究、提高计算精度、拓宽应用范围及工程实际应用等方面取得了很大成绩。重点介绍作者及其合作者的一些研究成果。主要包括岩土工程安全系数定义、方法原理、整体失稳判据、强度准则的推导、选用及提高计算精度等方面的研究。应用范围从二维扩大到三维，从均质土坡、土基扩大到有节理的岩质边坡与岩基，从稳定渗流扩大到不稳定渗流、从边坡与地基工程扩大到隧道、还用于寻找边（滑）坡中的多个潜在滑面，进行岩土与结构共同作用的支挡结构设计，计算机仿真地基承载板载荷试验等应用项目，以逐渐达到革新岩土工程设计方法的目的。

Finite element limit analysis method has the advantage of combining numerical analysis method with traditional limit equilibrium methods. It is particularly applicable to the analysis and design of geotechnical engineering. In the early 20th century, finite element limit analysis method has been developed vigorously in domestic geotechnical engineering using international common finite element procedures. It made great achievements in basic theory research, computational precision improvement, and broadening the application fields in the practical projects. In order to gradually achieon innovation in geotechnical design methods, this paper presented some research results of the authors and their collaborators. These mainly include geotechnical safety factor definitions, method principles, the overall failure criterion, deduction and selection of yield criterion, and the measure to improve the computational precision, etc. The application fields have been broadened from two-dimensional to three-dimensional, from soil slope to jointed rock slope and foundation, from stable seepage to nonstable seepage, from slope and foundation to tunnel. This method has also been used for searching sliding surface of complex landslide, retaining structure design considering the interaction between soil and structure, simulating foundation bearing plates load tests, and so on.