Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
TABLE 14.7
Foundations (
Continued
)
Topic
Discussion
Deep
Foundations
In terms of the general requirements for deep foundations, the
International
Building Code
(2012) states:
“Section 1803.5.5 Deep foundations. Where deep foundations will be used, a
geotechnical investigation shall be conducted and shall include all of the following,
unless sufficient data upon which to base the design and installation is otherwise
available:
1.
Recommended deep foundation types and installed capacities.
2.
Recommended center-to-center spacing of deep foundation elements.
3.
Driving criteria.
4.
Installation procedures.
5.
Field inspection and reporting procedures (to include procedures for verifica-
tion of the installed bearing capacity where required).
6.
Load test requirements.
7.
Suitability of deep foundation materials for the intended environment.
8.
Designation of bearing stratum or strata.
9.
Reductions for group action, where necessary.”
In terms of determining the allowable load, the
International Building Code
(2012) states in Sec. 1810.3.3: “The allowable axial and lateral loads on deep
foundation elements shall be determined by an approved formula, load tests or
method of analysis.” For additional details on the design and construction of deep
foundations, see Sec. 1810 of the
International Building Code
(2012).
Acceptable
criteria and
evaluation
reports
For the required piles, there are instances where the design specifications and
building code do not provide design criteria to determine the strength and per-
formance of a pile or acceptability of a construction method for a given pile.
Consequently, testing is used to establish the strength and performance of
such items, or their equivalence to another component prescribed by the code.
The building code basis for such a course of action lies in Sec. 104.11 of the
International Building Code
(2012), which states the following:
“The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any
material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically pre-
scribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An
alternative material, design, or method of construction shall be approved where the
building official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with
the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method, or work
offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this
code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, and safety.”
Approval is accomplished by reviewing testing information and research
reports provided by the manufacturer of the product. To facilitate this process,
the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) develops accep-
tance criteria for a variety of construction practices and products. ICC-ES then
determines whether the product complies with the intent of the code by review of
the testing information and research reports from the manufacturer. An evaluation
report is created that includes specific information about the project, such as the
design capacity, limitations, installation requirements, and details. The product is
evaluated for use based on specific editions of the code. Acceptance criteria and
evaluation reports may be accessed at
http://www.icc-es.org.
A sample evaluation
report is shown in Fig. 14.1.
