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This paper investigates the use of stability factors for estimating the ultimate bearing pressures on cylindrical caissons in cohesive-frictional soils. Rigorous upper and lower bound limit analyses with finite elements in axisymmetric (AX) condition are used for a series of numerical studies. The bearing capacity factors (Nc0, Nq0 and Nγ0) for a surface circular footing are firstly revisited. This is followed by a study on the effect of caisson's embedded depth ratio (L/D). A comprehensive set of depth factors (Fcd, Fqd and Fγd) is then reported as a function of caisson's embedded depth ratio (L/D) and soil internal friction angle (ϕ). The obtained results are compared with published solutions in the literature. Several examples are given to validate the principal of superposition as well as to illustrate on how to use the produced factors to estimate the ultimate bearing pressures on cylindrical caissons in cohesive-frictional soils. The study should be of great interests to practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]