PART6FOUNDATIONS

TABLEOFCONTENTS
SECTION
6.1GENERAL2

6.2DOCUMENTS,APPROVALANDINSPECTION2

6.3MATERIALSUSEDINFOUNDATIONS4

6.4DESIGNREQUIREMENTS5

6.5EXCAVATIONS8

6.6SHALLOWFOUNDATIONS10

6.7DEEPFOUNDATIONS

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6.8SPECIALFOUNDATIONS13

PART6FOUNDATIONS

6.1GENERAL
This part applies to foundation systems for buildings and related structures in the built
environment. It is written in terms of general performance requirements. In order to interpret
adequately, such requirements for specific foundation designs in relation to particular site and
subsurface conditions, judgement based on knowledge of geotechnical analysis and design
principlesisrequired.

6.2DOCUMENTS,APPROVALANDINSPECTION
(1)SurfaceandSubsurfaceInvestigation
Unless exempted by the authority having jurisdiction, surface and subsurface
investigationincludinggroundwaterconditions,shallbecarriedoutunderthedirection
ofapersoncompetentinthisfieldofwork,whoshallprepareareportontheresultsof
thisinvestigation,andthisreportshallbesubmittedwiththeapplicationtoexcavateor
build.

(2)DrawingsandEvidence
Drawings submitted with the application to put up a building or to excavate shall
indicate:
(a)

the type and condition of the soil or rock, as well as the groundwater
conditions,asdeterminedbythesurfaceandsubsurfaceinvestigation;

(b)

the allowable bearing pressures on the soil or rock, the allowable loads,
whenapplicableandthedesignloadsappliedtofoundationunits;

(c) theearthpressuresandotherloadsappliedtothesupportingstructuresof
supportedexcavations;
(d)

when required by the authority having jurisdiction, evidence that justifies

the information contained on the drawings shall be submitted with the
applicationtoexcavateorbuild.

(3)Inspection
(a)Inspectionshallbecarriedoutbythedesignerorbyanothersuitablyqualified
personresponsibletothedesigner,toensurethatthesurfaceandsubsurface
conditionsareconsistentwiththedesignandthatconstructioniscarriedoutin
accordancewiththedesignandgoodengineeringpractice.
(b)Inspectionrequiredinclause6.2(3)(a)shallbecarriedout:
(i)onacontinuousbasisduringtheconstructionofalldeepfoundationunits,andduring
theinstallationandrevivalofretainingstructuresandrelatedbackfillingoperation;
and
(ii) as required, unless otherwise directed by the authority having jurisdiction, in the
construction of all shallow foundation units, and in excavating, dewatering and
otherrelatedworks.
(4)ReportsonFoundationInspections
The person responsible for the inspections required in clause 6.2(3) shall prepare a reportof
each such inspection signed by the person responsible for the inspection which shall be sent
withoutdelaytotheauthorityhavingjurisdiction.

(5) Alteredsurfaceandsubsurfaceconditions
(a) Whereduringconstructionthesoilorrockisfoundnottobeofthetypeorinthecondition
used in design and as indicated on the drawings, the design shall be reassessed to the
satisfactionoftheauthorityhavingjurisdiction.

(b) Whereduringconstructionclimaticoranyotherconditionshavechangedthepropertiesof
the soil or rock, the design shall be reassessed to the satisfaction of the authority having
jurisdiction.

(6) AsconstructedDrawing
Whereconditionsasdescribedinclause6.2(5)areencountered,orwherefoundationunits,or
their locations were altered, this information shall be recorded on appropriated drawings or
newasconstructeddrawingspreparedandsubmittedtotheauthorityhavingjurisdiction.

(7) Approvaltoproceed
Before any part of a foundation is placed and before any superstructure is placed on a
foundation:
(a) theauthorityhavingjurisdictionshallbenotifiedandgivenanopportunitytoinspectthe
site;and
(b) writtenpermissiontoproceedshallbeobtainedfromtheauthorityhavingjurisdiction.

6.3MATERIALSUSEDINFOUNDATIONS
6.3.1Wood
(1)Preservativetreatmentofwood
Wherewoodisusedinfoundationsorinsupportofsoilorrock,thewoodshallconformtothe
followingstandards:
BS8004:1986Codeofpracticeforfoundations
BS914:Woodpreservationbymeansofpressurecreosoting
BS 4072: Wood preservation by means of waterborne copper/chrome/arsenic (CCA)
compositions.

(2) It is recommended that where necessary, the advice of the Forestry Research Institute (CSIR
FORIG)andtheBuildingandRoadResearchInstitute(CSIRBRRI)besought.
6.3.2Plainandreinforcedmasonry
(1) Plain reinforced masonry used in foundations shall be designed to resist effectively all
effectsofloadsandinfluencesthatmaybeexpectedandshallsatisfytherequirements
ofSections5.3to5.9ofPart5oftheCode.

(2)Whereplainorreinforcedmasonryinfoundationsorinstructuressupportingsoilorrock
maybesubjectedtoconditionsconducivetodeterioration,protectionshallbeprovided
topreventsuchdeterioration.
6.3.3Concrete
(1) Plain, reinforced or prestressed concrete used in foundations shall be designed to resist
effectivelyalleffectsofloadsandinfluencesthatmaybeexpectedandshallsatisfythe
requirementsofSections5.3to5.9ofPart5oftheCode.
(2)Chemicalattackonconcrete
Where concrete in foundations may be subject to chemical attack it shall be treated in
accordancewithrequirementinBS8004:1986Codeofpracticeforfoundations.
6.3.4Steel
(1)Steelusedinfoundationsorinsupportofsoilorrockshallbedesignedtoresisteffectively
all effects of loads and influences that may be expected and shall satisfy the
requirementsofclauses5.3to5.9ofPart5oftheCode.
(2)Corrosionofsteel
Where conditions are corrosive to steel, adequate protection of exposed steel shall be
provided.
6.3.5Othermaterials
Materialsotherthanthosedescribedinthissubsectionmaybeusedinfoundationsprovided
theyconformtotheminimumrequirementsofthissubsectionandareapproved.
6.4DESIGNREQUIREMENTS
(1)Basisofdesignforfoundations
Thedesignoffoundations,excavationsandsoilandrockretainingstructures,shallbebased
onasurfaceandsubsurfaceinvestigationscarriedoutbyapersoncompetentinthisfieldor
work,andoneormoreofthefollowing:

(a) application of generally accepted geotechnical and civil/structural engineering

principlesby apersoncompetentinthisfieldofworkasprovidedinthissectionand
othersectionsofPart5ofthisCode;

(b) establishedlocalpracticewheresuchpracticeincludessuccessfulexperiencebothwith
soils and rocks of similar type and condition and with a foundation or excavation of
similartype,constructionmethod,sizeanddepth.;

(c)

insitu testing of foundation units such as load testing of piles, anchors or footings
carriedoutbyapersoncompetentinthisfieldofwork;or

(d) innovative approaches, provided the design is carried out to the satisfaction of the
authority having jurisdiction by a person specially qualified in the specific method
applied, and provided the design ensures a level of safety and performance at least
equivalenttothatprovidedfororimplicitindesigncarriedoutbymethodsreferredto
inclauses(a)and(b).
6.4.2Subsurfaceinvestigation
Asubsurfaceinvestigationshallbecarriedouttosuchadepthandextentastoprovideall
the necessary information for the design and construction of the excavation or the
foundation.
6.4.3Identificationandclassificationofsoilandrock
Theidentificationandclassificationofsoilsandrocksanddescriptionsoftheirengineering
and physical properties shall be in accordance with a widely accepted system, suchas BS
8004.
6.4.4Loadsonfoundations
ThefoundationsofabuildingshallbecapableofresistingallloadsasstipulatedinPart5of
thisCode.

6.4.5Totalanddifferentialsettlement
The foundation of a building shall be proportioned so that the estimated total and
differential settlements of the foundation are not greater than the settlements that the
buildingisdesignedtoaccommodate.
6.4.6Depthoffoundation
Thebearingsurfaceofafoundationshallbebelowthelevelofanypotentialdamagedue
toerosionoregressofwaterandaggressiveliquids.
6.4.7Slopingground
Whereafoundationistoreston,inornearslopingground,thisparticularconditionshall
beprovidedforinthedesign.
6.4.8Eccentricandinclinedloads
Wherethereiseccentricityorinclinationofloadinginfoundationunits,thiseffectshallbe
fullyinvestigatedandprovidedforindesign.
6.4.9Dynamicloading
Where dynamic loading conditions apply, allowable loads or allowable bearing pressures
shallbeassessedbyaspecialinvestigationoftheseconditions.
6.4.10Hydrostaticuplift
Whereafoundationoranypartofabuildingissubjecttohydrostaticuplift,theeffects
shallbeprovidedforindesign.
6.4.11Watertablechange
Where proposed construction will result in a temporary or permanent change in the
groundwater level, the effects of this change on adjacent property shall be fully
investigatedandprovidedforinthedesign.
6.4.12Swellingandshrinkingsoil

Whereswellingorshrinkingsoils,inwhichmovementsresultingfrommoisturecontent
changesmaybesufficienttocausedamagetoastructure,areencounteredorknownto
exist,suchaconditionshallbefullyinvestigatedandprovidedforindesign.
6.4.13Expandinganddeterioratingrock
Whererockwhichexpandsordeteriorateswhensubjectedtounfavorableenvironmentalconditions
ortostressreleaseisknowntoexist,suchconditionsshallbefullyinvestigatedandprovidedforin
thedesign.
6.4.14Constructiononfill
Buildingsmaybeplacedonfillifitcanbeshownbysubsurfaceinvestigationthat:
(a) thefillisorcanbemadecapableofsupportingthedesignloads;
(b) detrimentalmovementofthebuildingorservicesleadingtothebuildingwillnotoccur;and
(c) Explosivegassescanbecontrolledordonotexist.

6.4.15Structuraldesignoffoundations
Thestructuraldesignofafoundationofabuilding,theproceduresandconstructionpracticesshall
conform with the appropriate subsections and clauses of this Part of the Code unless otherwise
specifiedinPart5ofthisCode.

6.5EXCAVATIONS
6.5.1Excavationdesign
The design of excavations and of supports for the sides of excavations shall conform with the
requirementsofSection6.4andtothissubsection.
6.5.2(1)Excavationconstruction:
Everyexcavationshallbeundertakeninsuchamannerasto:
(a)preventmovementwhichwouldcausedamagetoadjacentproperty,existingstructures,
utilities,roadsandsidewalksatallstagesofconstruction;and
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(b)protectthepublicatthebuildingsite.
(2)Materialshallnotbeplacednorshallequipmentbeoperatedorplacedonoradjacenttoan
excavationinamannerthatmayendangertheintegrityoftheexcavationsoritssupports.

6.5.3Supportedexcavations
Thesidesofanexcavationinsoilorrockmaybesupportedbyaretainingstructureconformingwith
therequirementsofSubsections6.5.1and6.5.2exceptaspermittedinClause6.5.2(1)and6.5.2(2).
6.5.4Unsupportedexcavations
The sides of an excavation in soil or rock may be unsupported where a design is prepared by a
person competent in this field of work in conformance with the requirements of Subsection 6.5.1
and6.5.2.
6.5.5Controlofwateraroundexcavations
Surfacewater,allgroundwater,perchedgroundwaterandinparticularartesiangroundwatershall
bekeptundercontrolatallstagesofexcavationandconstruction.
6.5.6Lossofground
At all stages of excavation and construction, loss of ground due to water or any cause shall be
prevented.
6.5.7Protectionandmaintenanceofexcavations
All sides of an excavation, supported and unsupported, shall be continuously maintained and
protectedfrompossibledeteriorationbyconstructionactivityorbyactionofrainandwind.
6.5.8(1)Backfilling
Whenanexcavationisbackfilled,thebackfillshallbeplacedsoasto:
(a)providelateralsupporttothesoiladjacenttotheexcavation;and
(b)preventdetrimentalmovements.
(2)Thematerialusedasbackfillorfillsupportingafooting,foundationorafloorongradeshallbea
typethatisnotsubjecttodetrimentalvolumechangewithchangesinmoisturecontentand
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temperature.

6.6SHALLOWFOUNDATION
6.6.1Designofshallowfoundations
Thedesignofshallowfoundationsshallbeinconformancewithsubsection6.4Designrequirement
andtherequirementsofthissubsection.
6.6.2Foundationsupport
Whereashallowfoundationistobeplacedonsoilorrock,thesoilorrockshallbecleanedofloose
and unsound material and shall be adequate to support the design load taking into account
temperature,precipitation,constructingactivitiesandotherfactorswhichmaylead tochangesof
thepropertiesofsoilorrock.
6.6.3Incorrectplacementofshallowfoundations
Whereashallowfoundationunithasnotbeenplacedorlocatedasindicatedondrawings,theerror
shallbecorrectedorthedesignbearingpressureofthefoundationunitrecalculatedforthealtered
conditions by the person responsible for the design to the satisfaction of the authority having
jurisdictionandactiontakenasrequiredinClause6.2(6)
6.6.4Damagedshallowfoundationunit
Whereashallowfoundationunitisdamaged,itshallberepairedorthedesignbearingpressureof
thefoundationunitrecalculatedforthedamagedconditionbythepersonresponsibleforthedesign
tothesatisfactionoftheauthorityhavingjurisdictionandactiontakenasinClause6.2(6).

6.7DEEPFOUNDATIONS
6.7.1General

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Adeepfoundationunitshallprovidesupportforabuildingbytransferringloadsbyendbearingtoa
competent stratum at considerable depth below the structure, or by mobilizing resistance by
adhesionorfriction,orboth,inthesoilorrockinwhichitisplaced.Itcanbepremanufacturedor
castinplace, it can be driven, jacked, jetted, screwed, bored or excavated; it can be of wood,
concreteorsteeloracombinationthereof.
6.7.2(1)Designofdeepfoundation
Deepfoundationunitsshallbedesignedinconformancewithsection6.4andthissubsection.
(2)Loadtestingofdeepfoundation
WheredeepfoundationunitsareloadtestedasrequiredinClause6.4(1)(c),anadequatenumberof
loadtestsshallbecarriedoutinaccordancewithBS8004Codeofpracticeforfoundations
orotheracceptablemethods,andtheresultsinterpretedbyapersoncompetentinthisfieldofwork
tothesatisfactionoftheauthorityhavingjurisdiction.

(3)Deepfoundationsnotloadtested
WheredeepfoundationunitsarenotloadtestedasoutlinedinClause6.4(1)(c)andwherewell
establishedlocalpracticeasoutlinedinClause6.4(1)(b)isnotapplicable,thedesignproceduresand
theappropriatestringentfactorsofsafetyshallbedeterminedbyapersoncompetentinthistypeof
worktothesatisfactionoftheauthorityhavingjurisdiction.

6.7.3Allowableloadonadeepfoundation
Theallowableloadonadeepfoundationshallbedeterminedtakingintoaccount:
(a)spacingofthefoundationunitsandgroupeffects;
(b)negativeskinfriction;
(c) lateralloads;
(d)upliftforces;and
(e)otherrequirementsofthisSubsection.

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6.7.4Structuralrequirementsofdeepfoundations
(1)Theportionofdeepfoundationunitpermanentlyincontactwithsoilorrockshallbestructurally
designedasalaterallysupportedcompressionmember.
(2)Theportionofdeepfoundationunitincontactwithairorwatershallbestructurallydesignedas
alaterallyunsupportedcompressionmember.
(3)Structuralstrengthofpremanufactureddeepfoundationunitsshallbesufficienttowithstand
allstressesresultingfromhandlinganddriving.
(ThestructuralstrengthofdeepfoundationunitsasdeterminedinClause6.7.4(3)representsthe
Maximumloadtheunitiscapableofsupportingasastructuralmember,whichinmostcases
exceedsitsgeotechnicalcapacity.
Themaximumloadthatmaybeappliedtoadrivenpile,exceptwhendriventotrueendbearing,is
relatedtotheenergyimpartedtothesoil.Thisenergyisrelatedtotheaxialstiffnessratherthan
thestrengthofthepile.Inadditionwhendeterminingthemaximumloadadeepfoundationunit
cansafelycarryasastructuralmember,considerationshouldbegiventothefactthatitisoften
impracticabletoinspecttheunitforstructuralsoundnessafterithasbeeninstalled.Consequently,
totakeaccountofthislimitation,itmaybedesirabletoassignareducedvaluetoitsstructural
capacity).
6.7.5Tolerancesinlocationandalignment
Permissibledeviationsfromthedesignalignmentandthelocationofthetopofdeepfoundation
unitsshallbedeterminedbydesignanalysisandshallbeindicatedonthedrawings.

6.7.6Incorrectlocationoralignment
Whereadeepfoundationunithasnotbeenplacedwithinthepermissibledeviationsreferredtoin
Subsection6.7.5,theconditionofthefoundationshallbeassessedbythepersonresponsibleforthe
designandanynecessarychangesmadetothesatisfactionoftheauthorityhavingjurisdictionand
actiontakenasrequiredinSubsection6.2.6.

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6.7.7Installationofdeepfoundations
Deepfoundationunitsshallbeinstalledinsuchamannerasnottoimpair:
(a) thestrengthofthedeepfoundationunitsandthepropertiesofthesoilorrockonorinwhich
theyareplacedbeyondthecalculatedoranticipatedlimits;
(b)theintegrityofpreviouslyinstalleddeepfoundationunits;or
(c)theintegrityofneighboringstructuresandservices.
6.7.8Installationrecords
TheinstallationofeachdeepfoundationunitshallbeinspectedinconformancewithSubsections
6.2.3and6.2.4and,insuchamannerthatallpertinentinformationisrecorded.

6.7.9Damageddeepfoundationunit
Whereinspectionshowsthatadeepfoundationunitisdamagedornotconsistentwithdesignor
goodengineeringpractice,theallowableloadofsuchaunitshallbereassessedbytheperson
responsibleforthedesign,anynecessarychangesmadetothesatisfactionoftheauthorityhaving
jurisdictionandactiontakenasrequiredinClause6.2(6).

6.8SPECIALFOUNDATIONS
6.8.1Specialfoundationsystems
Where special foundation systems are used, such system shall conform to Section 6. 4. Design
Requirements and evidence shall be provided to the authority having jurisdiction to demonstrate the
adequacyofthefoundationforthepurposeintended.
6.8.2Useofexistingfoundations
Existing foundations may be used to support new or altered buildings provided they comply with all
pertinentrequirementsofthisPart6(Foundations)oftheCode.

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