David M. Potts and Lidija Zdravkovié. With This paper examines our present capability to effectively use finite element analysis in geotechnical practice. The contents are based on my personal experiences from using finite element analysis for some thirty years to help solve engineering problems Volumepresents the theory, assumptions and approximations involved in finite element analysis while Volumeconcentrates on its practical applications to real geotechnical problems. Theory. integrationGlo