Finite element analysis of the stability of geotechnical structures has been developed.
　The bearing capacity of strip footings was analysed by this method. The results agree favourably with the classical bearing capacity equations.
　The stability of simple slopes was analysed and was compared with conventional results by Taylor. The finite element method appears to give higher safety factors in frictional slopes whereas it agrees favourably with the results of the conventional method in cohesive slopes.
　The effect of a sheet pile on the stability of a slope was analyzed to show the powerful capabilities of the finite element method. The increase of the stability due to the existence of a sheet pile can be analyzed. The effect of its flexual regidity also can be evaluated.
　Extremely accurate results can be obtained by the adaptive procedure both in the bearing capacity analysis and in the slope stability analaysis.