In this paper it is intended to verify the capacity of regularization of the numerical
solution of an elasto-plastic problem with linear strain softening. The finite element method
with a displacement approach is used. Drucker-Prager yield criteria is considered. The radial
return method is used for the integration of the elasto-plastic constitutive relations. An elastovisco-
plastic scheme is used to regularize the numerical solution. Two constitutive laws have
been developed and implemented in a FE-program, the first represent the radial return
method applied to Drucker-Prager yield criteria and the second is a time integration
procedure for the Maxwell visco-elastic model. Attention is paid to finite deformations. An
associative plastic flow is considered in the Drucker-Prager elasto-plastic model. The
algorithms are tested in two problems with softening. Figures showing the capability of the
algorithms to regularize the solution are presented