Axial and lateral resistance coupling in the analysis of large-diameter drilled shafts

•An approach is proposed in a BNWF framework to analyze large-diameter drilled shafts.•The approach considers the coupling between axial and lateral resistance through m-θ springs.•Results from coupled analyses are validated against centrifuge and full-scale load tests.•Conducting a coupled analysis can result in a more economical design.•Geomaterial property at shallow depth, shaft diameter, and length are driving factors for coupled analysis.