Study on differences between ultimate bearing capacity on natural foundations and on pile tips in layered soil strata

Differences between the ultimate bearing capacity on natural foundations and on pile tips in soil strata were studied and compared in respect of concept,mode of failure,assumed conditions and so on.Based on the Meyerhof failure mode of the ultimate bearing capacity,the mode of failure in layered soil strata was discussed and proposed,and the essential difference between the ultimate bearing capacity on natural foundations and on pile tips was indicated.Some conclusions were drawn which could be used as references for some practical engineering projects.