The Finite Element Limiting Analysis Method (LELAM) has the advantage of combining a numerical analysis method with traditional limiting equilibrium methods. It is particularly applicable to the analysis and design of geotechnical engineering. In the early 20th century，FELAM has been developed vigorously in domestic geotechnical engineering over international common finite element procedures. It has made great achievements in basic theory research and computational precision, thus broadening the application fields in practical projects. In order to gradually make innovations in geotechnical design methods, some of our research results are presented, mainly including geotechnical safety factor definitions, the principles for use of the method concerned, the overall failure criterion, the deduction and selection of the yield criterion, and the measurement to improve the computational precision, etc..The application field has been broadened from twodimensional to threedimensional, from soil slope to jointed rock slope and foundation, from stable seepage to nonstable seepage, from slope and foundation to tunnel. This method has also been used in search of many hidden sliding surfaces of complex landslides, conducting the structural support design considering the interaction between the soil and the structure, and computing simulation foundation bearing plates load tests, etc..