Abstract: A series of model tests were used to study the bearing capacity of sand foundation in centrifugal and gravitational fields.The global deformation fields in foundation were investigated accurately by the digital photogrammetry and a software package,which incorporated the three-step search algorithm proposed by the authors.The deformation patterns,such as deformation scope,sliding surface,the characteristics of localized deformation,and shear band,were observed accurately.The process of progressive failure in foundation was also captured successfully and analyzed quantitatively.The test results would be beneficial to verify and improve some related numerical constitutional models.