Finite element simulations of bucket foundations in clay using soil constitutive models were conducted to investigate the horizontal cyclic bearing characteristics of bucket foundations.Centrifuge tests of bucket foundations in clay under different monotonic combined loads were simulated using the finite element method to validate the applicability of the small strain hardening soil(HSS)constitutive model.Based on the HSS model and HS model,the effects of different cyclic loads and small strain modulus on the accumulated rotation angle,rotation center,and bucket-soil relative stiffness of bucket foundations were compared.The results indicate that the accumulated rotation angle of bucket foundations in clay increases with the number of cycles and the increase of horizontal loads.However,the increase in accumulated rotation angle per cycle gradually decreases.Furthermore,an empirical equation between Tb and ζb is proposed to predict the cumulative rotation of bucket foundation in clay.Regardless of being in a fatigue limit state(ζb=0.3)or a normal operating limit state(ζb=0.5),the rotation center type changes from deep center to shallow center.The bucket-soil relative stiffness decreases with the number of cycles,and the greater the cyclic load,the greater the stiffness decay.In addition,the small strain modulus has a significant influence on the accumulated rotation angle and bucket-soil relative stiffness,but no significant influence on the rotation center.Comparing with existing research results,it is found that the HSS model is more suitable for refined design.