In order to consider the cross-sectional non-axisymmetrical characteristic
a barrette is discretised three-dimensionally along its depth and across the barrette. The static equilibrium equation and the Mindlin equation are used to establish the displacement equations for the barrette and its surrounding soils respectively. The governing equation of the load-settlement relationship of the barrette is then derived by solving simultaneously the displacement equations. By using this method
the load-carrying behaviour of barrettes is analysed. It is found that a uniformly distributed shaft resistance is not mobilised across the barrette until the slippage failure of the soil nearest the barrette has been reached. The ratio of length to width has distinct influence on the load-carrying behaviour of a barrette.