ABSTRACT
Solid material develops from elastic to plastic then to failure after undertaking some load, which means that yield is different from failure. The system of yield criteria for geotechnical material is discussed and two definitions for point failure and surface failure in stress field. Also, the criterion of intact surface-failure is defined through classic limit analysis method. Simultaneously, the deficiencies for classic limit analysis and numerical analysis are pointed out, and based on the combination of these two methods, a newly developed numerical limit analysis method is built, which has enlarged the application range of limit analysis. The significances and features of classic limit analysis method and numerical limit analysis method are studied, as well as their reliabilities. The wide applicabilities of numerical limit analysis in slope (landslide) engineering, tunnel engineering and foundation engineering are illustrated.
