Abstract: The European geotechnical design code EN1997-1 introduces the partial coefficient method based on the theory of probability limit in geotechnical design. Its core is the three design approaches, which of one, two or three can be selected according to different circumstances. A design scheme of retaining structures is used as the example to illustrate the calculation process and the method for getting values of parameters in the three kinds of design approaches respectively. The results are compared with those calculated according to China's code to find out the difference in bearing capacity, stability, and anti-slip. Consequently, it is expected to help China's geotechnical engineering designers to understand and apply the European code EN1997-1.