Abstract: To overcome the problem that the shape of failure envelope for shallow foundations with larger embedment to breadth ratio tends to be complex,a numerical procedure to search the optimal load reference point was proposed,according to force translation theorem,for shallow foundations under horizontal and moment combined loading in uniform and inhomogeneous soil.Swipe loading method and fixed displacement ratio loading method were combined to conduct plane strain finite element analysis.The two-dimensional failure envelope based on the optimal load reference point tended to be more symmetric and simple,compared with that based on the center of shallow foundation base.Then,a unified equation was proposed for describing the two-dimensional failure envelope of shallow foundations. Results show that the bearing capacity of shallow foundations subjected to horizontal and moment combined loading is reasonably evaluated utilizing the equation.