Abstract: The geometrically nonlinear finite element method for beam structures consists of two parts: the development of virtual work equations and the corresponding numerical implementation. In this study, the solution procedure of the geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis using the Updated Lagrangian (UL) incremental approach for beam structures and three-dimensional continuum is presented, and major differences in the solution process are identified. Particularly, emphasis has been placed on the importance and the methodology of determining internal forces at the end of each load step.