The determination of the vertical ultimate failure mechanism and the bearing influence depth of the bucket foundation under varying geological conditions holds immense importance in accurately calculating the ultimate bearing capacity. The current study employs the numerical simulation analysis app-roach to examine the vertical ultimate failure mechanism in laminated clay through the layer-down me-thod. It investigates the variation in bearing capacity of the bucket foundations in laminated clay and determines the influence depth for the foundations in this type of soil. The investigation is conducted separately on the basis of whether the bucket foundation is penetrated at the interface between the upper and lower layers of laminated clay. Empirical equations for the influence depth are developed to account for varying conditions. The investigation of the vertical bearing depth of the bucket foundation unveils the influence of the strength ratio between the upper and lower soil layers, as well as the positioning of the soil layer interface, when combined with the outcomes of the numerical analysis.