GLE/CEE 330: Soil Mechanics

Introduction to Foundation
Engineering

Geological Engineering
University of Wisconsin-Madison
 Learning Objectives

Define key terms in foundation engineering

Discuss types of shallow and deep foundations

Describe basic foundation design philosophy

 Key Terms
Foundation: structure that transmits loads to
underlying soils.

Shallow Foundations
(Df/B < 2.5-4.0)

Deep Foundations
(Df/B > 4.0)

Df = Embedment Depth
(Coduto
B = Characteristic Length )
 Key Terms
Bearing Capacity (q): Pressure that a soil can
support (soil property)
Ultimate bearing capacity (qult): Max. pressure soil can support
(determined by analysis)

Net bearing capacity (qnet): Max. pressure soil can support above
current overburden pressure (account for embedment effect)

Allowable bearing capacity (qall): Design soil bearing pressure

qnet
qall
F .S .

F.S. = Factor of Safety (2.5 3.5) (Allowable Stress Design)

 ASD vs. LRFD
qnet
Allowable Stress Design (ASD) qall
F .S .
Historical Approach in Geotechnical Engineering
Blanket factor of safety

Less
conservativ More
e conservative
(More Risk) (More Cost)
 ASD vs. LRFD

Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD)

Modern Approach in Geotechnical Engineering

Factored Load (Q) < Factored Resistance (R)

i are load factors for different types of loads ( 1.0)

are resistance factor(s) for nominal resistance ( 1.0)

Effectively accounts for uncertainty in a quantitative way

Structures may be designed for a specific amount of risk

 Types of Foundation Loads
1) Normal Loads
2) Shear Loads
3) Moment Loads
4) Torsion Loads

Load Sources:

1) Dead Loads 8) Impact Loads

2) Snow Loads 9) Temperature Induced Loads
3) Earth Pressure 10) Stream/Ice Loads
4) Fluid Loads 11) Centrifugal/Braking
5) Earthquake Loads 12) Shear Loads
6) Wind Loads

(Coduto
)
 Shallow Foundation Types
Spread Footing (column loads)

(Alex
Mead)
 Shallow Foundation Types
Strip Footing (wall loads)
 Shallow Foundation Types
Mat (Raft) Foundation
(floor loads)
 Deep Foundations
Insufficient soil bearing capacity near surface

Excessive settlements on shallow foundations

Differential settlements on shallow foundations

Constructability issues (e.g., shallow GWT)

Lateral loads, uplift forces

(wind, waves, earthquakes, earth pressure)
 Deep Foundation Types
1) Piles
Timber
Steel (H-piles, tubes, mandrels)
Reinforced Concrete
Cast-in-place concrete
Characteristics/Issues:
Displacement vs. Non-
displacement
Driving stresses
Vibration/Noise

H-Pile Concrete Pile

 Deep Foundation Types
2) Drilled Shafts
B = 2-30 ft (0.6-9 m)
L < 300 ft (91 m)
Large Lateral Load Resistance

(Hayward
Baker)
 Pile Load Transfer (Single Pile)

Qf = shaft friction or side shear

Qb = end bearing

If Qf >0.8Qb then friction pile

If Qb = 0 (design assumption)
then floating pile
Pile Groups
 Foundation Design Philosophy
Limit State = condition beyond which a
component/member of a foundation or other structure
ceases to satisfy the provisions for which the
component/member was designed

Strength Limit State (bearing capacity analysis)

Service Limit State (settlement analysis)
Extreme Event Limit State
Fatigue Limit State