Numerical calculations have a long tradition in tunnelling but in recent years numerical methods have become a standard tool for analysing a wide variety of geotechnical problems. This has become feasible because advanced constitutive models are available in commercial software packages and sufficient computer power for performing 3D nonlinear analysis is readily available. In this paper a short history of the development of constitutive models for soils will be given, starting from (non)linear elasticity to strain hardening formulations. Emphasis is put on consequences the use of different models has on the results of boundary value problems rather than on the mathematical description. The significant advances made within the last decade will be obvious. It is pointed out that this overview is directed towards practical applications and does not include models which are predominantly used in research. The merits of using advanced models in practice are discussed.