In this paper, the kinematic approach of limit analysis is used to analyse the influence of groundwater on the bearing capacity of shallow foundations. Analytical expressions are derived allowing the bearing capacity of strip footings resting on a soil where the water table is at some depth below the footing base to be calculated. Results from these expressions are compared with those obtained using other theoretical solutions available in literature. Moreover, a parametric study is carried out to illustrate the effects on bearing capacity of submergence of the soil below the footing. The importance of these effects is discussed, and remarks are also made on the results provided by some simplified methods that are currently used in practice. Finally, a simple approximation of the theoretical solution derived in this study is suggested for practical purposes.Key words: bearing capacity, limit analysis, groundwater, strip footings.