ABSTRACT
Numerical methods have gained increasing importance in the geotechnical profession and are widely used for solving problems in practical engineering. Traditionally the main emphasis of numerical analysis has been on calculating displacements and stresses in the ground and internal forces in structural elements. However, more recently numerical methods are also employed to assess the ultimate limit state of a geotechnical structure. Although in principle possible there are a number of issues which have to be considered when performing an ULS-analysis with numerical methods such as the finite element method or the finite difference method. For example type of element used and discretisation are more important than in serviceability analysis (SLS) and of course the question arises how to introduce partial or global factors of safety in correspondence with existing codes of practice and relevant standards, the requirements of which have to be fulfilled in an approved design.
