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.