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NSCP C101-10

Chapter 3

EXCAVATIONS AND
GEOMATERIALS

NATIONAL STRUCTURAL CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

VOLUME I
BUILDINGS, TOWERS AND
OTHER VERTICAL STRUCTURES

SIXTH EDITION

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines

Suite 713, Future Point Plaza Condominium I
112 Panay Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines 1100

Tel. No : (+632) 410-0483

Fax No.: (+632) 411-8606
Email: �iscpo11linc(i11grnai\.co111
Website: ht1p://www.ascponlinc.org
 CHAPTER 3 - General & Excavation and Fills 3· 1

Table of Contents
SECTION 301 · GENERAL ..................................................................... -.............................................................................. 3
301.I Scope ............................................................................................................................................................................. 3
301.2 Quality and Design ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
301.3 Allowable Bearing Pressures ......................................................................................................................................... 3
SECTION 302 - EXCAVATION AND FILLS ........................................................................................................................ 3
302. l General .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
302.2 Cuts ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
302.3 Excavations .................................................................................................................................................................... 3
302.4 fills ................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
302.5 Setbacks ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
302.5 Drainage and Terracing ................................................................................................................................................. 6
,. 302.6 Erosion Control .............................................................................................................................................................. 6
SECTION 303 · FOUNDATION INVESTIGATION ............................................................................................................ 7
303.1 General .......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
303.2 Soil Classification .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
303.3 Questionable Soil ........................................................................................................................................................... 7
303.4 Liquefaction Study......................................................................................................................................................... 7
303.5 Expansive Soil ............................................................................................................................................................... 7

;�;:� ��;�:.��i.:.l.�..�.� .'.�.:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: �

i

303.8 Soil Tests ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9

303.9 Liquefaction Potential and Soil Strength Loss ............................................................................................................... 9
303.10 Adjacent Loads ........................................................................ , ................................................................................. 10
303.11 Drainage..................................................................................................................................................................... 10
303.12 Plate Load Test .......................................................................................................................................................... l 0
SECTION 304 · ALLOWABLE FOUNDATION AND LATERAL PRESSURES ......................................................... 10
304. l From Geotechnical Site Investigation and Assessment ............................................................................................... 10
304.2 Presumptive Load-Bearing and Lateral Resisting Values ........................................................................................... 10
304.3 Minimum Allowable Pressures.................................................................................................................................... l l
304.4 Foundations Adjacent to Existing Retaining/Basement Walls .................................................................................... 11
SECTION 305 · FOOTINGS .................................................................................................................................................. 12
305.l General ........................................................................................................................................................................ 12
305.2 Footing Design ............................................................................................................................................................ 12
305.3 Bearing Walls .............................................................................................................................................................. 12
305.4 Stepped Foundations .................................................................................................................................................... 12
305.5 Footings on or Adjacent lo Slopes ............................................................................................................................... 13
305.6 Foundation Plates Or Sills ........................................................................................................................................... l3
305.7 Designs Employing Lateral Bearing ............................................................................................................................ 14
305.8 Grillage Footings ......................................................................................................................................................... 14
305.9 Bleacher Footings ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
SECTION 306 · PILES - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................... 15
306.l General ........................................................................................................................................................................ 15
306.2 Jn1erconnection ............................................................................................................................................................ 15
306.3 Determination of Allowable Loads .............................................................................................................................. l 5
306.4 Stalic Load Test ........................................................................................................................................................... 15
306.5 Dynamic Load Test...................................................................................................................................................... 15
306.6 Column Action ............................................................................................................................................................ 15
306.7 Group Action ............................................................................................................................................................... 15
306.8 Piles In Subsiding Areas .............................................................................................................................................. 16
306.9 Jetting .......................................................................................................................................................................... 16
306.10 Protection Of Pile Materials ...................................................................................................................................... 16
306.11 Allowable Loads ........................................................................................................................................................ 16
306.12 Use of Higher Allowable Pile Stresses ...................................................................................................................... 16
SECTION 307 · PILES - SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................... 17

111
National Structural Code of the Philippines 6 Edition Volurne 1
 307.1 Round Wood Piles ................................................................................................................................. ... .
307.2 Uncased Cast-In-Place Concrete Piles ........................................................................................................ .
307.3 Metal-Cased Concrete Piles ..................................................................................................................
307.4 Precast Concrete Piles ................................................................................................................................... ..
307.5 Precast Prcstressed Concrete Piles (Pretensioned) ........................................................................... .......
307 .6 Structural Steel Piles .... ............................................................................................................................ ! ()
i '.)

307.7 Concrete-Filled Steel Pipe Piles............. ........ ....................................................................................... . ,9

SECTION 308 - FOUNDATION CONSTRUCTION-SEISMIC ZONE 4 ............................................................ ,. ........... 19
J08. I General ........................................................................................................................... : ')
308.2 Foundalion and Geo1echnical Investigations ............................ ...........................................................
308.1 Foolings and Foundations .. ...................... ..............................................................................................
108.4 Pier and Pile Foundations .......................................... .............................................................................. · . ... !.O
J08 . .5 Driven Pile Foundations ..................................................... ......................................... ,......... ';,i
306.6 Cast--ln-Placc Concrete Foundations ..... ................................................................................................ .... .
SECTION 309 · SPECIAL FOUNDATION, SLOPE STABILIZATION AND MATERIALS OF
CONSTH UCTION ...................................................................................................................................................... .............. 22
 CHAPTER 3 - General & Excavation and Fills 3-3

301.l Scope 302.l General

This chapter sets forth requirements for excavations, fills,
footings and foundations for any building or structure.
301.2 Quality and Design
The quality and design of mate1ials used strncturally :ii
excavations, fills, footings and foundations shall conform to
the requirements specified in Chapters 4, 5, 6 and 7.
Excavation or fills for buildings or structures shall be
constructed or protected such that they do not endanger life
or propc11y. Reference is made to Section 109 of this code
for requirements governing excavation, grading and
earthwork construction. including fills and embankments.
302.2 Cuts

301.3 Allowable Bearing Pressures 302.2.1 General

Allowable stresses and design formulas provided in this
chapter shall be used with the allowable stress design load
combinations specified in Section 203.4.
Unless otherwise recommended in the approved
geotechnical engineering, cuts shall confonn 10 lhe
provisions of this section. In the absence of an approved
geotechnical engineering report, these provisions may be
waived for minor cuts not intended to support Slrucrurcs.

302.2.2 Slope
The slope of cut surfaces shall be no steeper than is safe for
the intended use and shall be no steeper than I unit vertical
in 2 units horizontal (50% slope) unless a gcotechnical
engineering, or both, stating that the site has been
investigated, and giving an opinion that a cut at a steeper
slope will be stable and not create a hazard to public or
private property, is submitted and approved. Such cuts shall
be protected against erosion or degradation by sufficient
cover, drainage, engineering and/or biotechnical means.

302.3 Excavations

302.3.3 Existing footings or foundations which may be

affected by any excavation shall be underpinned adequately
or olherwise protected against settlement and shall be
protected againsl lateral movement.

302.3.4 Protection of Adjoining Property

The requirement for protection of adjacent property and the
depth to which protection is required shall be defined by
prevailing law. Where not defined by law, the following
shall apply:

°1
National Structural Cocje of tile Philippines 6 Edition Volurne 1
 3-4 CHAPTER 3 - General & Excavation and Fills

Top of
Slope PA*
H/5 but
0.60 m :
7
min. and � ,,--
;
3 m max. · //·
PA* r.
.' 7
Cut or Fill Natura
: \I or F'.
11us I 1
: H/2 but 0.6 m>: Slope Grade
<E
: min. and 6 m ;
max. H
I
7
I

Natural or Finish
Grade
* Permit Arca Boundary

Figure 302-1 Setback Dimensions for Cut and Fill Slopes

I. Before commencing the excavalion, the person making

or causing the excavation to be made shall notify in
writing the owners of adjoining building not less than
IO days before such excavation is to be made and that
the adjoining building will be protected. The condition
of the adjoining building will be documented to include
photographs prior to excavation. Technical documems
perta1111ng to the proposed underpinning and
excavation plan shall be provided the owner of the
adjacent property.
2. Unless it can shown through a detailed geotechnical
investigation that underpinning is unnecessary, any
person making or causing an exca:vation shall protect
the excavation so that the soil of adjoining property
will not cave in or settle,
302.4 Fills
302.4.1 General
Unless otherwise recommended in the approved
geo(echnical engineering report, fills shall conform to the
provisions of this section. In the absence of an approved
geotechnical engineering report. these provisions may be
waived for minor fills not intended to support strnctures.
Fills to be used to support the foundations of any building
or structure shall be placed in accordance with ac�epled
engineering practice. A geotechnical investigation repon
and a report of satisfactory placement of fill, both
acceptable to the building official, shall be submined when
required by the building official.

In cases where the existing adjacent building will have
more basements than the proposed building. the foundation
of the proposed building should be designed so as not to
impart additional lateral earth pressures on the existing
building (sec section 304.4).
No fill or other surcharge loads shall be placed adjacent to
any building or structure unless such building or structure is
capable of withstanding the additional ve11ical and
horizontal loads caused hy the fill or surcharge.
Fill slopes shall not be constnicted on natural slopes steeper
than I unit vertical in 2 units horiwntal (50% slope),
provided fu11her that benches shall be made -to key in the
subsequent fill material.

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines

 CHAPTER 3 - General & Excavation and Fills 3-5

Prepara tion of Ground be used based on ASTM D5030 -04. A mini mum of three
-:· e ground surface shall be prepared Lo received fill by tests for every 500 m2 area should be performed for every
1emoving vegetation, non-complying fill, top soil and other l i ft to veri fy compl iance with compaction requ i rements.
- n su itable materials by scarifyi ng and benchi ng in the case
M sloping ground The existi ng grou nd su rface shall be 302.4.S Slope
·,fadeq uacely prepared to recei ve fi l l by removing vegetation The slope of fill surfaces shall be no steeper than is safe for
,i�
r any m aieri als, non-complying fil l , IOpsoil and otilcr the intended use. Fi l l slopes shall be no steeper than I unit
i;�nsuitable materials, and by scari fying to provide a bond vertical in 2 units hori zontal (50% sl ope) unless
\vit1
,. 1 the new fi ll . substantiating slope stability analyses justifying steeper
i slopes are submi Hed and approved .
i /1Where the nalllral slopes arc sleeper than I unit venical i n 5
' units hori zontal (20% slope) and t he height i s greater than 302.S Setbacks
; · J . 5 m, t he ground surface shall be prepared by bench i n g
l ; in to sound bedrock o r other competent material a s 302.S. l General
I
t � determined b y the geotechnical engineer. The bench under
i Cut and fill slopes shall be set back from site boundaries in
: tbe toe of a fi l l on a slope steeper than l u n i t vertical in 5 accordance with t h i s section subject to verification with
· units horizontal (20% slope) sha l l be at least 3 m wide.

I
The area beyond t he toe of fi l l s h a l l be sl oped to drain or a
paved drain shal l be provided . W hen fi l l is to be pl aced
; over a cut, the bench under the toe of fill shal l be at least 3
detailed slope stability study. Setback dimensions shal l be
horizontal distances measured perpendicular to the site
boundary. Setback di mensions shal l be as shown in Figure
302- l .

I m wide but !he cut shall be made before pl aci ng the fi l l and
only after acceptance by the geotechnical engineer as a
302.S.2 Top of Cul Slope

i suitable foundation for fi l l .

The top of cut slopes shal l not be made nearer to a site

I
i 302.4.3 Fill Material
boundary l i n e than one fi fth of the vertical height of cut
with a mini mum of 0.6 m and a maximum of 3 rn . Th,·
setback may need to be increased for any req uire<\
1
Any organic or deleterious materi al shall be removed and i nterceptor drains.
I wi ll not be permiued i n fi l ls. Except as pem1itted by the
geotechnical engineer, no rock or si m i lar i n-educible 302.5.3 Toe of Fill Slope
material with a maximum dimension greater than 200 mm
The toe of fi l l slope shall be made not nearer to the site
shall be bu ried or pl aced in fi l l s .
bou ndary l i ne than one hal f the height of the slope with ,,
·· )/}!ception: m i n i n1 u m of 0.6 m and a max i m u m of 6 m , Where a fi i l
slope i s l o be located near the s i te boundary and thi
J]ie placemem of larger rock may be permitted when 1he
adjacent off-si te prope11y is developed, special precautior,:
�· geoteclmical engineer properly devises a me/hod of
shal l be i ncorporated i n t he work as the bu i ld i ng official
placemen/, and continuously inspects its placement and
deems necessary IO protect the adj o i n i ng property fro, ,
flpproves 1he fl/I stability. The following co11ditio11s shall
dam age as a res u l t or such grad i ng. These precautions lllH .':
( _also apply:
,; i nclude but are not l i m i ted to:
t,.·, I. Prior 10 issuance of !he grading permit, potential rock
l. Additional seL backs.
disposal areas shall be delineated on the grading plan.
2. Provision fo r retaini ng or slough wal ls.
2. Rock sizes greater 1han 300 mm in maximum
dimension shall be 3 m or more below grade, measured 3. Mechanical stabilization or chemical Lreaunent of ti,.·
venically. fi l l slope s u r face to m i n i m i ze eros i o n .
3. Rocks shall be placed so as 10 assure filling of all voids 4. Rockfa l l rro1 ecti o11
with well-gmded soil.
5. Provisions fo r the control of surface waters.
302.4.4 Compaclion
302.5.4 Modification of Slope Location
All fi l l s sha l l be compacted i n l i fts not exceed i ng 200 111 111
The bu i l d i n g o ffi cial may approve alternate setbacks. ·:;· -
i n t h i c kne�s 10 a m i n i m u m o r 9 5 rcrcen t o f m a x i m u m
b u i l d i n g o ffi c i a l 111 ay req u i re ;111 i n ves t i gati on 1< ! '
density a s determ i ned by A S TM S ta n dard D- 1 5 5 7 . I n ­
rcc o 1 11 mc11datio11 by a q u a l i fied geotcc h n ical engi ner:·
place densi ty .�ha l l be determi ned i n acc< rdancc w i t h
demon$lrate that the inten! of t h i s section has been sat isi . -:
ASTM D - 1 556 . D-2 1 67. D- 2922. D-10 1 7 o r equ i v a lent.
For clean granu l ar materi als. t he use or t he foregoi ng
proced ures i s i nappropri a1e. Rel a t i ve den s i t y criteri a shal l

11
N;-1 t 1on�1 1 S iruclural CorJe of the F'11 ilippines 6 ' Edition Vol ume 1
 3-6 CHAPTER 3 ·· General & Excavation and Fills
302.5 Drainage and Terracing
302.5. 1 General
Unless ot herwise indicated on the approved grading p l an,
drainage fac i l i t ies and terraci ng shall con form 10 t he
provisions of t h i s sect ion for cut or fi ll slopes sleeper than l
unit vertical in 3 u nits horizontal (33 . 3 % slope).
302.5.2 Terrace
Terraces at least 2 m in width shall be established at not
more than IO m vertical in tervals on all cut or fill slopes to
control surface drainage and debris except that where only
one terrace is required, it shal l be al mid-height. For cut or
fi l l sl opes greater than 20 m and up 10 40 m in vertical
height, one terrace at approximately mi d-height shal ! be 4
m in width. Ten-ace widths and spacing for cut and fi l l
slopes greater t han 40 m in height shall b e des igned by the
civi l engineer and approved by the building officia l .
Suitable access shall b e provided t o permi t proper cleaning
and main tenance.
S wales or d i t ches on terraces s h a l l be designed t o
effecti vel y col lect surface water a n d d i scharge l o an out fa I I .
I t shall have a m i n i m u m gradient o f 0 . 5 percen t and must be
paved with rein forced concrete not less than 75 mm i n
thickness or a n approved equ a l paving materi a l .
A single run of swale o r ditch shall not collect runoff from a
tributary area exceedi ng l ,000 n/ (projected area) without
dischargi ng into a down drain.
302.5.3 Subsu rface Drainage
Cut and fi l l slopes shal l be provided wi t h surface drai nage
as necessary for stabi lity.
302.5.4 Disposal
A l l drai nage fac i l i t ies sha l l be des ig ned to carry waters to
the nearest practi cable drai nage way approved by t he
b u i lding offi c i a l or other appropri ate j urisdiction as a safe
place to deposi t such waters. Eros ion of gro u n d i n the area
of discharge shal l be prevented by i n stallation of non ­
erosive down dra i n s or other dev ices or s p l ash blocks a n d
sedi mentation bas i n s .
Bui lding pads shal l have a dra i nage grad ient of 2 percent
toward approved drainage fac i l i t ies, unless wai ved by the
building offic i al .
Associat ion of S lrnctural E ngineers of tlw f-' l l i lipp1 nes
Excep tion:
The g radient from the buildin g pad may be 1 percent if" all
of the following conditions exist throug hout ;/w p r: rm it
a rea:
J. No p rop osed fi lls a re g reater than 3 111 maximum dep ih.
2. No p rop osed fi n ish cut o r fi ll slop e fa ces have a
vertical height in excess of 3 m.
3. No existing s lope faces steeper than 1 un it vertia.: ! in
JO units horizomal ( 1 0% slope) have a vertical height
in excess of 3 111.
302.5.5 Interceptor Drains
Paved or Lined interceptor drains shall be installed along
the top of all cul slopes where the tribu tary drai nage area
above slopes toward the cul has a drai nage path greater lha11
1 2 m measured horizontally. Interceptor drains shall be
paved with a minimum of 75 mm of concrete or gunite and
rei nforced. They shall have a mini mum depth of 300 mm
nnd a mi nimum paved width of 750 mm measured
horizontal ly across the drain. The slope of dra i n shal l be
f
approved by the b u i l d i n g of i cial .
302.6 Erosion Control
302.6 . 1 Slopes
The faces of cul and fi l l slopes shall be prepared and
maintained 10 cont rol against erosion. This control may
consist of effective planting adapted to or indigenous to the
loca l i ty. The protection for the slopes shal l be installed as
soon as practicable and pri or to cal l i ng for final approval .
Where cut slop�s are not subject lo erosion due to rhe
erosion-resistant characier of the materi als, such protection
may be omiHed .
302.6.2 Othc1· Devices
Where necessary, check dams, cri bbing, ri prnp or other
devices or methods sha l l be e m p l o yed to cont rol erosion
and pro v i d e s afe ty.

303.1 General
foundation investigation shall be conducted and a
Professional Report by a Registered Civil Engineer
experienced or knowledgeable in Soil Mechanics and
Foundations shall he submitted at each building site.
For structures to two stories or higher,. it is recommended
that an exhaustive geotechnical study be perfonned to
evaluate in-situ soil parameters for foundation design and
analysis. It is recommended that a minimum of one
borehole per two hundred, 200 m2 of the structure's
footprint be drilled to a depth of at least 5 m into hard strata
or until a suitable bearing layer is reached unless otherwise
specified by the consulting geotechnical engineer. The total
number of boreholes per strncture should be no less than 2
for strnctures whose footprints are less than 300 m2 and no
less than 3 for those strnctures with larger footprints.
For buildings with basements, it is recommended that the
depth of boring should extend to twice the least plan
dimension of the structure's footprint plus the depth of the
basement.
An cxhaustive geoteclmical investigation should also be
conducted in cases of questionable soils, expansive soils,
unknown groundwater table to determine whether the
existing ground water table is above or within 1.5 m below
the elevation of the lowest floor level or where such floor is
located below the finished ground level adjacent to the
foundation, pile foundations, or in rock strata where the
rock is suspected to be of doubtful characteristics or
indicate variations in the structure of the rock or where
solution cavities or voids arc expected to be present in the
rock.
The building official may require that the interpretation and
evaluation of the results of the foundation investigation be
made by a registered civil engineer experienced and
knowledgeable in the field of geotechnical engineering.
303.2 Soil Classification
For the purposes of this chapter, the definition and
classification of soil materials for use in Table 304-1 shall
be according to /\STM D-2487.
Soil classification shall. be based 011 observation and any
necessary field or laboratory tests of the material.� disclosed
by borings or excavations made in appropriate locations.
N;:it1onal Structural Code-) of the P11ilippmes 6 11' Edition Volume 1
CHAPTER 3 - General & Excavation and Fills 3-7
Additional studies may be necessary to evaluate soil
strength, the effect of moisture variation on soil-bearing
capacity, compressibility, liquefaction and expansiveness.
303.3 Questionable Soil
Where the classification, strength or compressibility of the
soil are in doubt, or where a load bearing value superior to
that specified in this code is claimecl, the building official
shall require that the necessary soil investigation be made.
303.4 Liquefaction Study
The building official may require a Liquefaction evaluation
study in accordance with Section 303.6 when, during the
course of the foundation investigation, all of the following
conditions are discovered:
1. Shallow ground water, 2 m or less.
2. Unconsolidated saturated sandy alluvium (N < I 5)
3. Seismic Zone 4.
Exception:
The building official may waive this evaluation upon receipt
of written opinion of a qualified geotechnical engineer that
liquefaction is not probable.
303.S Expansive Soil
Soils meeting all four of the following provisions shall be
considered expansive, except that tests to show compliance
with Items I, 2 and 3 shall not be required if the test
prescribed in Item 4 is conducted:
I. Plasticity index (PI) of 15 or greater, determined in
accordance with ASTM D 4318.and Liquid Limit> 50.
2. More than IO percent of the soil particles pass a No.
200 sieve (75 m), determined in accordance with
ASTM D 422.
3. More than 1 O percent of the soil particles are less than
5 micrometers in size, determined in accordance with
ASTM D422.
4. Expansion index greater than 20, determined in
accordance with ASTM D 4829.
303.5.1 Design for Expansive Soils
Footings or foundations for buildings and structures
founded on expansive soils shall l�-· designed in accordance
with Section I 805.8. I or 1805.8.2.
Footing or foundation design need not comply with Section
303.5.3 or 103.5.4 where the soil is removed in accordance
with Section 303. .5.4, nor where the building official
approves stabilization of the soil in accordance with Section
301.5.5.
 3 -8 CHA P T E R 3 - General & Excavation and Filfs

303.5,5 Stabilization
303.5.2 Foundations Where the acti ve zone of expansive soil� is stabi l i zed in lieu
Footings or foundations placed on or within the active zone of designing footi ngs or foundations in accordance wi th
of expansi ve soi ls shall be designed to resist different ial Section 306.2. the soi l shall be stabilized by chemical
volume changes and to prevent structu ral damage to the treatment, dewateri ng, pre-saturation or equi va l ent
supported structure. Deflec t i o n and racking of the techniques .
supported shall be l i mited to that which will not interfere
with the usabi lity and serviceabil ity of the structure. 303.6 Compressible Soils
If the boreholes show t h at the propo�ed structu res are to be
Foundations placed below where volume change occurs or built above compress i ble ti n e-grai ned soi ls (wi t h N< 6). i t
below expansi �e soil shal l comply with t he followi ng is recommended t hat conso l i d ation tesis b e performed i n
provisions: accordance wilh ASTM D 2435 t o determine t h e seulement
1. Fou ndations extending into or penetrating expansi ve parameters for the siie.
soils shall be designed to prevent upl i ft of the
su pported structure. If wide, massi ve loads within !he st mctu res lo be buill on
compressible fine-grai ned so i l s are to be expected for
2. Foundations penetrating expansive soils shall be prolonged peri ods of lime built, 1he selllemem effects on
designed lo resist forces exerted on t he foundation due adjacent struciures shou ld be evaluaied as wel l .
to soi l volume changes or shall be isol ated from !he
expansive soi l . 303.7 Reports
The soi l classi ficat ion and desi gn beari ng capaci ty shall be
303.5.3 S l a b on G round Foundations s hown on the pl ans, unless the foundation con forms to
Moments. shears and deflections for use in des igni ng slab­ Tab l e 305- 1 . The building o ffi c i a l may requ i re submission
on -ground mat or raf1 foundations on expansive soi ls shall o f a written report of the i n vestigati o n , which shal l i n c l ude,
be determ ined in accordance w i t h WRI/CRS I Design of but need not be l i m i ted lO, the following i n fo rmat i o n :
S l ab-on -Ground Foundations or PT! S tandard
Requi rements for Analysis of Shallow Concrele I. A plot showing t he locati o n of al l test bori ngs and/or
Foundations on Expans i ve Soi ls. Usi ng the moments, excavations.
shears and deflections determined above, prest ressed slabs­ 2. Descriptions and cl assifications of the materials
on-ground, mat or raft foundations on expansi ve soils sha ll encountered .
be designed in accordance with PTI Standard Requirements
for Design of Shallow Post-Tensioned Concreie 3. Elevation of the water cable, i f encountered.
Foundati ons on Expansi ve Soils. It shall be pennilled to 4. Recommendations for fou ndation type and design
an alyze and design such slabs by ocher methods that cri teria, including heari ng capaci ty, provisions to
account for soi l-struclllre interaction , 1 he deformed shape of mi tigate the e ffecis of di fferenlial sett lements and
the soil support, the place or sti ffened pl aie action of the expansive soi ls, provisions 10 mitigate the effects of
slab as well as bot h center l i ft and edge l i ft conditions. liquefaction and soil strength, provisions for special
Such alternat i ve methods shall be rational and the basis for fou ndation sol u t ions and ground i m p rovement , and the
all aspects and parameiers of t he method shal l be available e ffects of adj acent loads.
for peer review,
5. Expected total and di ffere n tial selllernen ( .
303.5.4 Removal of Expa nsive Soil 6. Laboratory test resu l t s of soi l sam p l e s .
W h e re expans i ve soi l is removed in l i eu of design i n g
7. Fi e l d borehole log co n tai n i ng the fo l l o w i n g
footi ngs or fou ndat i ons i n accordance w i t h Sect i on 302 . 3 . 2 ,
f i n formation
t h e s o i l s h a l l b e removed to a depth suf icient t o ensure a
constant moist ure content in t he remaining soi l. Fi ll a) Projec1 locaiion
materi al shafl not contai n expansive soi ls and shafl com p l y b) Dept h of borehole
wi t h Secl ion 302.3.3. c) Grou nd elevat ion
d) Ground water t a b l e elevation
/:.,'xception:
e) Date started and fi ni shed
Expansive soil need not be removed 10 the depth of constant
moisture, provided the confining pressure in the expansive The soi l class i fi cation and design-beari ng capacity shall be
soil created by the fill and supported structure exceeds the shown on t he pl ans. u nlc�s t he foundat ion con forms to
swell pressure. Table 305- 1 .

Association of S t ructu ral E ngineers of t11e Pl1 ilippine�:

 CHAPT E R 3 - General & Excavation and Fills 3-9

Wh en expansive soils arc present, the building official may Table 303 -3 Geophysical Tests
requ ire that special provisions be made i n the foundation
desig n and constrnction to safeguard against damage due 10
this expansi veness. The bu ilding offici al may require a
special investigat ion and report to provide these design and
Field Test
I ASTM
Desi!malion l Output Data /
Parameter Obtained

co nsc rnction criteria. Geophysical Tests

I
Table 303-2 Laboratory and Field Tests Sei smic refr action
Laboratory /
Field Test I
Classificatio11 of Soils
ASTM/ Test
Dcsi1? nation
Output Data /
Parameter Obta ined
Sei smic
reflection
[)5777 -00 Maps subsurface
geologic con d i t i ons ,
lithologic units and
fractures.
Moisture conlent 022 1 6-05 Moisture/ water
content Ground 07 ! 28 Maps lateral
Penetrali ng continuicy of
Gra i n size 0422-63 Soil gradation
Radar l i t hologic units and
a n a l ys i s
detects changes in
Allerberg Li mits D43 1 8-05 Liq uid limit, p l astic
the acoustic
limit
uses properties of
;"'
D2487-00 Classi ficat ion of
subsurface
soi ls
ueomaterials .
Specific Gravi ty 0854-05 Spec i fi c gravi t y
Crosshole D6432-99 p-wave and s-wave
Shrin kage L i m i t 0427-04 Shri nkage I i m i c velocity
seismic survey
Organic Maner 02974-00 Moisture content, ash determ ination ,
content and percent
elastic moduli
organic maucr in soi l
· dete,rni nation
i: S wed ish Wei ght J IS N,w-val uc i n d i rn t i n g ,
u ndra i n ed soi l shear Geo-resi s t i v i ty 04428 Co1rn s i on Potential
Soundi ng Test A 1 22 1 :2002
s1rength S u rvey of soi ls , Electrical
UCT Test (Soi ls) 02 1 66-00 Strength parameters ground i n g,
Tri-axial (UU D2850-03a S t rength parameters stra t igraphic st udi es
i Test)
303.8 Soil Tests

I
Tri -ax i al (CU D4767 -04 S t rength parameters
Test ) Tables 303-2 and 303 -3 sum mari ze the com mon ly used
Oedomcter ( 1 -D D2435 -04 Consol idacion field and laboratory tests needed i n determi ning the in-situ
,:."!
Consol idation) parameters soi l parameters for use in fou ndat ion desi gn and analysis. _;
Laboratory Vane 1)464 8-05 Strengt h parameters
S hear 303.9 L i q uefaction l'ot c n l i a l and Soil Strength Loss
D i rect S hear 1)3080-04 S t rengt h para m e t ers
Test When required by Section 103 .3, the potential for soi l
UCT for Imact D293 8-95 Strength parameters liquefac tion and soi l strength loss during ea11 hquakes shal l
Rock be eval uated during t he gco1echnical i n vestigation. The
S tandard D 1 586-99 N - va l uc geotechnical evaluation shal l assess po1ential l iquefact ion
Penetra t i on Test suscepti b i l i t y potent i a l consequences of any l i q uefaction
Modified Proctor 0 1 55 7-02 Max i m u m dry and soi l s t re n g t h l oss, i nc l u d i n g e s t i mat i on of d i ffere n ti al
Test dcnsil y selllement , lateral movcrncnl or reduct ion in foundation
S tandard Proctor O698-00a Max i m u m dry soi l-beari n g capacity, and d i scuss m i t i gating meas u res .
Test density Such measu res shall be gi ven consi deration in the design of
I lle b u i l d i n g and m a y i n i.: l udc. b u t nre 1101 l i mi 1ed to, gro u n d
Fi e l d Dens i t y I) 1 5 5 6 - 00 M a x i m u m d ry
stabi l i za t i o n , scl cc 1 i o11 or apprnpri a 1 c foundat i o n t ype a n d
Test dens i t y
depths. .� ckc1 ion of appropr i ate struct u ral syslcms t o
Cl3 R La b Tcs1 1) 1 883 -05 CBR
al-co111moda1 c ant icipated d i spl,1cc111cnts. or any
Cone Penet ra t i o n 1)144 1 -05 S o i l st rc n g.lh
combi nat i<Jn nr t hese measu res.
Test _yaramcters -··-·-·------
The pote n t i a l !'o r l i q uc f'act i ni1 a n d soi l stre n gt h l oss shal l b,:
c v ,1 l un 1 c d for :1 s i 1 c pl�.tk g rou nd ,1ccc l er.1 t i n11 1 h a t , as ;,
111 i n i 11111111. con forms to t he probab i l i t y o r c xcccdan,·,·
spcciricd i n Sect i o n 208 .6.1. Peak gro u nd .iccc l cra1 i o11 m:' . _.
 3-10 CHAPTEH �3 -- General & Excavation and Fills

be determined based on a site-specific study taking into

account soil amplification effects.

In the absence of such a study, peak ground acceleration

may be assumed equal to the seismic zone factor in Table
208-3.

303.10 Adjacent Loads 304.I From Gcotechnical Site Investigation and

Where footings are placed al varying elevations, the effect
of acljacenl loads shall be included in tile foundation design.
303. l I Drainage
Provisions shall be made for the control and drainage of
surface water around buildings and ensure that scour will
not threaten such structures through adequate embedment.
(Sec also Section 305.5.5).
303.12 Plate Load Test
The plate load test is generally used for determination of
soil subgrade properties for rigid foundations. If used for
building foundations, it must be emphasized that the Depth
of Influence is only up to twice the width of the test plate.
Care must be used when extending the results to deeper
depths.
Assessment
The recommcndt'.d allowable foundation :111,! L,I" ·.d
pressures �lwll bt· estimated from a reasonal,!y < ,:,::,<.:,,, ,._ _.
geotechnical site investigation and assessment, which sh;tl 1
include at least the following:
a) Description of regional geologic chara-1,·1isiic�;
b) Characterization of in-situ geotechnical conditions;
c) Factual report on the in--situ and labora!<>:y :c):i::
performed to characterize the site ( S<·c S,•ct:,)n
303.7 for a list of in-situ and lab::1""i:y Iest:s
commonly carried out for geotcchnical site
characterization);
d) Disclosure of the assumptions and the ·;pplic::bh�
analytical or empirical models used in ,··ain1;,'.,,.g
the allowable foundation and lateral prei.� 11 ..--.;
.
e) Calculations carried out and Factor 1)i" S:-'. rP,' '.! :-; !
assumed in arriving at the recommendd :illow:1hIt.·
foundation and lateral pressures; and
f) Evaluation of existing potential geologic ha;;:ids
and those that may be induced or triggered by Lht:
construction/installation of the structure.

The geotechnical site investigation and assessment shall he

performed by a registered civil engineer experienced and
knowledgeable in the field of geotechnical engineering.

A geotechnical investigation and assessment shall !le

presented in a report. The report, together with a brier
resume and a sworn stntemenl of accountability of i1Ic
geotechnical engineering consultant who prepnred :!, ·; .Jl
be included in the submittals to be reviewed a11d c:,:.111-·-, ·d
by the building official or government authority in ch:ug.c
of issuing the relevant permits such as envirq11.1w.·1al
compliance ce11ificate and/or building permit.

304.2 Presumptive Loa1I-Tkaring and Lateral Resisting

Values
When no exhaustive gcotechnical site ;1.�scss111enl and
investigation is performed, especially when 110 in-silu or
very limited tests are carried out, the prcsu111p1i1,� l,;.,d­
bearing and lateral resisting values provided in Table_-\(,' I
shall be t1.�etl. Use of these values rcquir<'s IhaI Ihe
foundation design engineer has. al the least, c:111it'd m,1 ,::;
inspection of the site and ha.� hccome f'arniliar with the
prcdominanl soil or rock charactcri.�tics of the site.

Association of Structural [nnineers of the Pl1ilipp1nes

 CHAPTEF1 3 -- General & Excavation and hlls 3-11

'. Presumptive load-bearing values shall apply 10 materials
: with similar physical characteristics and dispositions. Mud,
'i rganic silt, organic clays, peal or unprepared fill shall not
p
be assumed to have a presumptive load-bearing capacity
unless data from a geotechnical site assessmem and
investigation to substantiate !he use of such a value are
submitted.
For clay, sandy clay, silly clay and clayey si It, in no case
shall the lateral sliding resistance exceed one-hat f the dead
load.
Jt is the responsibility of the engineer-of-record 10
determine the applicability of these presu111p1ive values for
the Project.
304.3 Minimum Allowable Pressures.
The recommended allowable foundation and lateral values
shall be with the allowable stress design load combinations
specified in Section 203.4.
304.4 Foundations Adjacent to Existing
Retaining/Basement Walls
[11 cases where the adjacent building will have more
basements than the prnb)osed building, the foundation of the
proposed building sh�ul<l be designed so as not to impart
addi1iom1I laiernl earth pressures on the existing building.

.,·: Table 104-1 Allowable Foundation and Lateral Pressure

Lateral
' Allowable Bearing Lateral Sliding4
Foundation llclow Nntural
Class of Materials'
r Prcssun/ Gmdc-'
! (kl'a} (kPa/m of
depth)
Cocfficicnt5
Rcsistancc6
(kPa)

I. Massive Crystalline Bedrock 200 200 0.70 -

f'
•' 2. Sedimentary and Foliated Rock 100 60 (l.35 -

3. Sandy Gravel and /or Gravel(GW & GP) 100 30 0.35 -

4. Well-graded Sand, Poorly-graded Sand, Silty Sa!l(l,

Clayey Sand, Silty Gravel and Clayey Gravel (SW, 75 25 0.25 .
SP, SM, SC, GM and GC)
5. Oay, Sandy Clay, Silly Clay and Clayey Silt (CL, ML,
50 ,, 15 - 7
MH, and Cli)
·- ..
1
A gcowc/111irnl si11· in 1•c.ttigmio11 is recomme,u/,•d.for soil c/assijin11im1 ( R,:f,·r 10 S,•r1io11 ./03 J.
1
All values ofal/owal,/efowulorirm 11re.r.mre rm• ft1r.fomi11.�., Ju11•i11g" minimum wid1h of JOO 1111110111/" 111i11im11111 ,1,,p1h 1f300 111111i,11111111' ,1c1111ral i:rodc.
Except ns 11med in Faomole 'a·. a,, i11creas,• of 20% is allowed ft,r ,,.,.-J, t1ddilin11al .100111111 of iw/il, ant/1,11· d,•plh 1" 11 11111xim11111 w1!11,· of 1/m•e 1i11ws thl'
designoJC'd vt1fue. A,1 itu:ri!dSt! of nrre-lhirtl is 11ermillt•tl ,,·hen using th,• ulternate lout! combinations ;,, Section 203.4 that i11dude h'i111J or cttnhq,wke
loads.
Tire resi.<umce w1/11cs derii-edfrom lhe table an: 11e1111i11ed 10 be i111·r,•(lsed by lire wlmlar l'l1l11e [t,r each ,ultli1imml .11JO 11111111/ depth tn a maxi11111m of 15
limes the tabular value. J.,olmed pole.< f11r 11.<t'.f such as f11111po/(!.< 11r sig11.< ,me/ pol,•s 11.<l'd 1r1 -'"l'l"""I l)//i/di11g., that ore• 1ml "d,•enc·�,- 11/fc•ct,·d 1,y a 12 111111
morion at rl,r ground .wufac,• due UJ slwrl-tt:n11 /(lteral loruf.t are permittl'd Jn /Je dl1.\·i,�11e,I using la1cra/-h('(lri11,� t·allu•,\' equal 10 f\\'() timl.'x 1/ie wl,ular
value.<.
IJ.ueral hl'arb1�� ,wd flidin.f! n,.,·isw11n' UICI\' ht' nm,bin.c·d.
Cneffici,•11110 /J,, muhipli<•d hy tlw d,:ad /0�1d.
l.l1t<�ro/ .tlidin.r; rc.titlllllt'l' t·tllU(' to /Jr u11d1i1,lir,I /Jy tile am1,u·1 orru. /u 110 nt.\'I' .,lu,/1 tlw lat,,rol .,lid,,1.r.: rf'SiiUllln' rrn•t•d m,e./w{f Jiu- th·ad lvt1cl.
No inrr<'"sc· shall ht• 11/1011•e1l.for an ino-C'a.w· of widlh.

f
l

Nnt1011al Struc!ur;:11 Corle if the r- 1 h1l1pp;1ws (,' Fcl:uon VoH11rn,

 3· 1 2 CHAPTE R 3 - General & E xcavation and Fills

305.2.1 Design Loads

Footings shall be designwfor the most unfavorable load
effects due to combinations of loads. The dead load i s
permitted t o include the weight of foundations, footings
305 . 1 General
and overlyi ng fi l l . Reduced l i ve loads as permitted in the
Footings and foundations shall be constructed of masonry, Chapter on Loadings are permitted to be used in the
concrcle or t reated wood in confomrnnce with Chapters 4, design of footings.
6 and 7. r-ooti ngs of concrete and masonry shal l be of
sol i d material . Foundations supporting wood shall ex tend 305.2.2 Vi bratory Loads
at least l 50 mm above the adj acent fi nish grade. Footings
Where machinery operations or other vibratory loads or
shal l have a m i nimum depth as indicated i n Table 305- 1 ,
vibrations are transmitted to the foundations,
u nless anolher dep1h is warran1cd, as establ ished by a
consideration shall be given i n the report to address !he
foundation i n vestigaiion .
foundation design lo prevent detrimental disturbances lo
the soil due to vibratory l oadings.
The provisions of this section do not apply to building and
fou ndation systems i n those areas subject to scour and
Dynamic Soi l Properties shal l be included where required.
waler pressure by wind and wave action. B u i l d i ngs and
fou ndation s subject to such loads shall be designed i n
accordance with approved national standards. 305.3 Bearing Walls
Tab l e 305 - 1 M i n i m u m Req u i rements for Foundations '· 2 · 3 Beari n g walls shal l be suppo11ed on m asonry or
rei n forced concrete foundations or piles or other
N u m hc r o f Thickness of Depth permi tted foundation system t hat shal l be of suffi c i ent
Width Thickness Below
Floors Foundation Wall s i ze to suppon all load s .
S u pported
of of Undisturbed
Footing Footing
(mm) Ground
by the
Fou n dat ions Concrete Unit (mm) (mm) S u rface Where a design i s n o t pro v i ded , t h e mi n i mum foundation
Masonrv (mm) ' requ i rements for stud beari ng wal l s shal l be as set forth in
I 1 50 1 50 300 1 50 300 Table 305 - l , unless expa n s i ve soils of a severity lo cause
. - ·· .. .. . . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . ...... . .. - - · · ··· · · · ·- · ·· . -.. . .... �- . .. , d i fferenti al movement are known to exi st
2 200 200 375 1 75 450 Except ions:

3 250 250 450 200 600 I. A 011e-s101y wood o r metal-frame building not used
1 for human occupancy and not over 40 11/ in floor
U'ht•r<· 111111.nu,I nmditio,1.'i ur·c fowui. fiu,rin,,;s and fi1wu/a1io11J .\·hall
area may be conslructed with walls suppor1ed 011 a
h.- a., rt'((llin•tl 111 S<"r·1ir111 305. I.
: Tiu• �1·om1tl wulrr tlw J7'mr may be ,..xcai•atnl 10 th,� (·ft ,·t11io11 of tfi,, 1 wood foundation plate permanently 1111der the water
tt1p 11/ Ifie /mJ1111g. ,able when permilted by the b11ildi11g official.
' Fowulatim, muy .,upport a roof in addition to thr su-,,uftllrd numht.• r
,iffl,wr.t. Fo111uln1in11s .<11ppr,rti11g roofs n11/_r .1/wll hl' ,a req11/ud for 2. The support of buildings by posts embedded in earth
\llppnrtin_r: ,,,u· floor. shall be designed as specified i11 Sectio11 305. 7. Wood
• 11,r d,•p1J, ,,j e111hedml'lll ""'·" nlw11_r.< h,· below 111ne111ial drprl, '!f
posts or poles embedded in earth shall be pressure
,X( 'tl!lf
treated with an approved preservative. Steel posts or
poles shall be protected as specified in Section
305.2. Footing Desi gn
306. /0.
Except for spec ial provisions of Section 307 co veri ng Lhe
design of pi l e s , t1I I pm1 ions of fool i ngs sha l l be designed 305 .4 Stepped Foundations
i n accordance with ! he s t rucw ra l provisions of t h is code
a n d s h a l l be desi gned 10._-m i n i m i zc di fferent i al �e1 t lcme1H Fou ndations for a l l b u i l d i ngs where t he surface of t h e
ground slope.� more t h an I u n i t vc11 ical i n 1 0 u n i t s
when necessary and the c.:fTccts of cxpansi w soi l s when
prese nt . horizontal ( I 0 % slope) shal l b e level or shall b e sleppcd
so that bot h top and bottom or such foundation arc level.
S l a b-on -grade and 111at t ype foot i ngs for b u i ld i n gs l ocated
o n expans i ve soi l s may be des igned in accorcla nc:c w i t h
t he gcotcc h n i c a l reco m menda t i on a s pe r m i t ted by t i l e
bu i ld i n g o ffi c i a l .

Associ;1 1i(i:1 o f Slrur: l u rn l [ n q1n<,ers of thn r-'l l i l i p p i n e :;


Top of S lope
Face of S1rnc1urc l, of_S_:..
Hn bu1
<E need not 7
exceed
4 . 5lll lll.'\ X .
r-
Figure 305- 1 Setback Dimensions for Building Clearance from Slopes
305.5 Footings on or Adjacent to Slopes
305.5. 1 Scope
The placement of buildings and structures on or adjacent
to slopes steeper than I unit vertical i n 3 u n its horizontal
(33.3% slope) shall be in accordance with this section.
305.S.2 Iluilding Cl earance from Ascending Slopes
In general, bui ldi ngs below slopes sha l l be set a sufficient
distance from the slope to provide protection from slope
drainage, Scour erosion and shal low fai lures. Except as
provided for in Section 305.5.6 and Figure 305- 1 , the
following criteria wi l l be assumed to provide this
protecti o n . W h ere the ex i sti ng s l ope is steeper than I u n i t
vertical i n I u nit horizontal ( I OU% slope), the 1oe of the
slope shal l be assumed to be at the intersection of a
horizontal plane drawn from t he top of the fou n d ation and
a plane drawn tangent lo the slope al an angle of 45
degrees lo !he horizon tal. Whc�e a retaining wal l is
constructed at the toe of the slope, the height of the slope
shall be measu red from t h e top of the wall to the top of
the slore.
305.5.3 Footi ng Setback from Descending Slope
Surface
Footings on or adjacent to slope surfaces sha l l be founded
in firm material with an embedmcnt and setback from the
slope su rface s u ffi ci e n t 1 0 prov ide vert i c a l and l a teral
support for t l . e foot i n g wi thout detri mental sel ! l emen t .
Except as provided for i n Section 305.5.6 and Fi gure 305-
1, the fol lowi ng setback is deemed ndcqu:ite to meet the
criteri a. W here the slope i s steeper t h an I u n i t vert ical i n
l unit horizon tal ( I 00% slope), t he required setback s ha l I
be meas ured from an i maginary pl ane 45 degrees to t he
horiw n t a l , project ed upward fro m t he toe of the slope.
hJ,l l1onc1 I Structur:, I CofJe of the Pl1ilippuws (/ ' Edil1011 Volume) 1
CHAPT E R 3 -- General & Excavat ion and Fills 3- 1 3
Face of Footing
-:
7, , '0, --,, F :.-:.·, ' : :
<-\
: : '-Ii : :
H
l-1/3 but ncc<l not
exceed 12 m max.
305.5.4 Pools
The setback bet ween pools regulated by this code and
slopes shall be equal to one half the building footing
setback distance req u i red by this section. That port ion of
the pool wall within a horizontal distance of 2 m from the
top of the slope shall be capable of suppooing the water
in the pool w i thout soi l suppo rt .
305.5.5 Foundation Elevation
On graded sites, the lop of any exterior foundation shal l
extend above the elevation o f t he st reet gutter ,ll poi n t of
d ischarge or the i n let o f an approved drai nage device a
mi nimuni of 300 mm plus 2 percent. The buildi ng official
may permi t al tern ate elevat i ons. pro v ided i l can be
demonstrated that required drainage to the roi nt of
discharge and away from the st rncture is provided at all
locat ions on the si te.
305 .5.6 Alternate Set back and Clearance
The buildi ng official may appro ve alternate setbacks and
clearances . The building o fficial may requ i re an
i n vestigation and recommendation of a qual ified engi neer
to demonstrate that the intent of this section has been
satisfied . Such a n i n vestigat ion shal l include
con�i deration of material , height of slope, slope g ra d ient,
load i n tensity and erosion characteristics of slope
material .
305.6 Fou nda tion Plates o r S i lls
Wood plates or s i l ls shal l be bol ted t o t he fou ndat ion or
foundation wal l . Steel bolts with a m i n i m u m nomi nal
d i ameter of 1 2 111 111 shal l be u sed in Sei s m i c Zone 2 . S teel
bolts w i t h a m i n i mum nominal di ameter of 1 6 mm shal l
be used i n Seismic Zone 4 . Bol ts shal l he embedded at
least 1 80 rn m i n to the concrete or mason ry and sh.i l l he
spaced not rnore t h a n 2 111 apart . There sha l l be a
m i n i mum of two bol1.· per piece w i t h one bolt loca1cd 1101
 3-14 CHAPTC:Fl 3 -· General & Excavation and Fills
more than 100 mm or less than seven bolt diameters from
each end of the piece. A properly sized nut and washer
shall be 1igh1encd on each bolt 10 the plate. Foundation
plates and sills shall be the kind of wood specified in
Chapter 6.
305.7 Designs Employing Lateral Bearing
305.7.1 General
Construc1io11 employing pos1s or poles as columns
embedded in earth or embedded in concrete footings in
the earth may be used and designed (() resist both axial
and lateral loads. The depth to resist lateral loads shall be
determined by means of the design criteria established
herein or other methods apprnved by the building official.
305.7.2 Design Criteria
305.7.2.I Non-constrained
The following formula may be u�cd in ,ktermining the
depth of embedrncnt required to resist lateral loads where
no constraint is provided at the ground surface, such as
rigid floor or rigid ground surface pa\ l'menl.
,-1
c/=2 I+
( f---)
l+A
4 ..1/i
(305-1)
where:
,-1 = bracing is provided.
/, = diame1er or round post or fooling or diagonal
dimcnsion of square post or footing, 111
d = depth of emhedmcnt in earth in 111 hut not over 3.5
111 for pu1vo-�e or comriuting lateral pressure, m
h = distance from ground surface lo point of
application of P, m
P = applied lateral force, kN
S 1 = allowable lateral soil-bearing pressure as sci forth
in Table 304-1 ba.�cd on a deplh of one third the
dcp1h of embcdmcnt, kPa
S_, = allowable lateral soil-bearing pressure as set forth
in Table 304-1 based on a depth equal to the depth
of cmh:dmcnt. kPa
305.7.2.2 Constrained
The followin!! ror111ula may be ui;cd to dc1erminc the
depth of emhcdment required 10 rc.�ist lateral loads where
constraint i� provided at the ground surface, such as a
rigid floor or pavement.
, l'h
d · = 4.25 --·-- 005-2)
SI h
305.7.2.3 Vertical load
The resistance to vertical loads is determi•·,:·d I·-' !!,e
allowable soil-bearing pressure set forth in T:! ! :: ,., :
305.7.3 Backfill
The backfill in the annular space around column not
embedded in poured footings shall be by one of the
following methods:
l. Backfill shall be of concrete with an ultim;;:,: s1rcng1h
of 15 MPa m 28 days. The hole shall nol lie k,;�: d1;;,1
100 mm larger than the diameter of the coluHH, :it its
bottom or 100 mm larger 1h:rn th,: ::. > on,d
dimension of a square or rectangular colun11;.
2. Back.fill shall be of clean sand. The sand shall be
thoroughly compacted by tamping in layer not more
than 200 mm in thickness.
305.7.4 Limitations
The design procedure outlined in this section shall be
subject to the following limitations:
305.7.4.1 The !'rictional resistance for retaining wal Is and
slabs on silts ancl clays shall be limited to one half ui' the
normal force imposed on the soil by the weight of the
footing or slab.
305.7.4.1 Posts embedded in earth shall not be used to
provide lateral suppon for structural or nonslructural
mate1ials such as plaster, masonry or concrete unless
305.8 Grillagc Footings
When grillage footings of st111cturnl steel shapes arc used
on soils, they shall be completely embedded in concrete.
Concrete cover shall be at least l 50 mm on the bo11om
and at least 100 111111 at all other points.
305.9 Bleacher Footings
Footings for open-air seating facilities shall comply with
Chapter 3.
Exceptions:
Temporary open-air portable bleachers may be suppo;·,,·d
upon wood sills or steel plates placed directly upon the
gmun;1 su,face, provid<'d soil pres.wre does 1101 1•.r, ,·ed
50 k/>a.

'.Pile fou ndations sha l l be designed and i n s tal led on the
-]:basis of a foundation in vestigation as defi ned in Section
i 303 where required by the building official.
' .
; The inve stigation and report provisi ons of Section 303
'. sh all be expanded to i nclude, but not be l i mi ted to , the
; foJJowing:
Recom mended p i l e types and i nsta l led capacities .
Dri v i ng criteri a.
Installat ion procedures .
Field inspection and report i ng procedures (to i ncl ude
procedu res for veri fi cation of the i nstal led bearing
capacity where req u i red).
�--
i 5, P i l e load test req uirements.
1 which, during a 40-hour period of conti nuous load
1 The use of pi les not spec i fically men t i oned i n this chapter
shall be permi11ed, su bject to the approval of the bu i lding
official upon submission of acceptabl e test data,
calculations or other i n formation relating to the propc11ies
and load-carry i ng capac i t i es of such pi les.
306.2 Interconnection
Individual pi le caps and cai ssons of every structure
subjected to seismic forces shall be i ntercon nected by t i c
Beams. S u c h t i e beams shal l b e capable o f resisting, i n
tension or compression , a m i n i mum horizontal force eq u a l
l o lO percent of t he l a rgest col u mn verti c a l load.
Exception:
Other approved methods ma\' be used where it can be
demonstrated rlwt equivalent �estraim can be provided.
306.3 Determi nation of Allowabl e Loads
The allo wab l e a x i al and l ateral loads on pi les shal l be
? eterm i ncd by an appro ved form u l a , by a fou ndat i o n
JJ � vesti gation or by l oad tests. S tati c a x i a l compressi ve
pile load lest s h a l l be i n acconl ance w i t h ASTM Standard
D- 1 1 4 ] . and l ateral load testi ng of pi les s h al l conform to
ASTM S t andard D-3966. Dynamic p i l e tests s hal l be i n
acc o rdan ce w i t h A STM Stan dard D -4945 . Stat i c ax i al
te nsi le load test i ng to d e t e rm ine t h e u pl i f( capac i t y of
f: pi l e-s oi l s ystems s h a l l be i n accordance with ASTM
Sta nd a rd D - 3 689 .
r-.Ja l ional S truct ural Code of t h e Philippines 6 : i-, E:d ilion Volume 1
l
f'
CHAPTE Fl 3 - General & Excavation and Fills 3- 1 (i
306.4 Static Load Test
Static axial compressive pile load test shal l be in
accordance with ASTM S tandard D- l 1 43 . Performance of
the load test requ ire that the test be conducted under the
supervision of a registered civil engineer experienced and
knowledgeable in the practice of static pi le load test i ng.
When the allowable ax ial compressi ve load of a s i ngle
pile is determi ned by a static load tes t , one of the
following methods shall be used:
Method 1. It sha l l not exceed 50 percent of the yi eld
point under lest load . The yield poi nt shall be defi ned as
that point at which an i ncrease i n load p roduces a
disproportionate i ncrease i n settlemen t .
Method 2. It shall not exceed o n e hal f of t h e load, which
causes a net settlemen t , after deduct i n g rebound, of
0.03mm/kN of test load, which has been applied for a
period of at least 24 hours.
Method 3. ll shall not exceed one hal f of that load under
appl ication, no additi onal settlement takes place.
306.5 D y namic Load Test
High-strai n dynamic l oad test may be used to determ i n e
the beari ng capacity of piles, i n accordance w i th ASTM
Standard D-494 5 . It is requi red that the test be conducted
by a registered c i v i l engi neer experienced and
knowledgeable in the p ractice of p i le dynamic load
testing.
306.6 Column A ction
A l l pi les stand i ng unbraced i n a i r, water or m aterial not
capable of lateral support shall conrorm to the appl icab l e
column formula a s speci fied i n this code. Such pi l es
driven i nto fi rm ground may be considered fi xed and
latera l l y supported al 1 .5 m below the grou nd surface and
in soft material at 3 m from the gro u nd surface u n l ess
otherwise prescri bed by the bui lding offic i al after a
fou ndation i n vestigati on by an approved agency.
306.7 G roup Acti on
Con s i deration shal l be gi ven to the reduct i o n of al l owable
pile load when p i l es are pl aced i n grou ps .
Where soi l conditi ons make such load reductions
advisable or necessary, the a l lowab l e a x i al and l ateral
loads determ i ned for a single p i l e s h a l l be reduced by any
rat i o n a l met hod or form u l a subrni ued lo the b u i l d i n g
offi c i a l .
 3-16 CHA/ J TFFl '.J ... General & Excavation and r-ills

306.8 Piles in Subsiding Areas
Where piles are driven through subsiding fills or other
subsiding strata and de1ive support from underlying
finner materials, consideration shall be given to the
downward frictional forces, which may be imposed on the
piles by the subsiding upper strata which shall be
deductive from the net pile load capacity.
306.12 Use of Higher Allowable Pile Stresses
Allowable compressive stresses greater tban those
specified in Section 307 shall be pe1mi1ted wk•,
substantiating data justifying such higher stresses itre
submilted to and approved by the building official. Such
substantiating data shall be included in the foundation
investigation repon in accordance with Section 306. I.

Where the influence or subsiding !ills is considered as

imposing loads on the pile, the allowable stresses
specified in this chapter may be increased if satisfactory
substantiating darn are submilled.

306.9 Jetting
Installn1ion of piles by water jelling shall nol be used
except where and as specifically pcrmillcd by the building
official. When used, jetting shall be carried out in such a
manner 1ha1 the carrying capacity of existing piles and
structures shall not be impaired. After withdrawal of the
jet, piles shall be driven down until the required resistance
is obiaincd.

306.10 Protection of Pile Materials

Where the boring records of site conditions indicate
possible deleterious action on pile materials because of
soil consti1ue111s. changing water levels or other factors,
such materials shall be adequately protected by methods
or processes approved by the geotechnical engineer.

The effectiveness of such methods or processes for the

particular purpose shall have been thoroughly established
by satisfact0ry service records or other evidence. which
demonstrates the cffcc1ivcness of . uch pro1ec1ive
measures.

In sulfate bearing soils. the steel piles shall be protected

against corrosion or reinforced concrete piles shall use
Type II cement.

306.11 Allow;ible Loads

The allowable loads based on soil conditions shall be
established in accordance with Section 306.
Exc:c!ptio11:

Anv 1111ca.rnd casr-i11-place pile may be a.u111m1d ro

t!e1·eii11, a fri('fio11a/ resi.11w1ce t•qua! ro one sixth <?f rhe
hc'.ari11g i•alw: <?f FhC' soil material al 111i11im11111 depth as .\'l'I
forth in Table 305-/ bw 1101 to exceed 25 kl'a 1111/e.l'.1· a
f{n'ater 1 1al11e is a//011·ed by //IC' /mi/ding ojjicial <t{ter 11
fo1111da1io11 i11,•e.1·1iw1rio11 as specifi('d i11 Section 303 is
.rnlm1i11ed. Frir:1io11a/ resisl<mce ond /J<•arin!{ rcsi.1·1w1ce
shall 1101 he a.1·s1111wd lo a/'/ si11111l1a111•011sly 1111/es.1·
re,·n11111w1ulcd <({fer a fo1111da1io11 i1111es1igario11 as
specified in Section 303.

307. 1 Round Wood Piles
307.1 . l Materi al
' Except where untreated pi les arc permi tted, wood pi les
sh all be pressure treated . Untreated piles may be used
,. only when il has been established that the cutoff w i l l be
•,
below lowest groundwater level assumed to exist duri ng
·· the life of t he structure.
307.1 .2 Allowable Stresses
The al lowable uni t st resses for round woodpiles shall not
exceed those set forth i n Chapter 6.
,;
The allowable values l isted in, for compression parallel io
the gra i n at e x t reme fiber in bending arc based on load
sharing as occurs i n a pile cluster. For piles which
support their own speci fi c load, a safety factor of l .25
shall be appl i ed lo compression p,u-al l e l to the grain
values and 1 .30 lo extreme fiber in bendi ng val ues.
307.2 U ncased Cast-In-Place Concrete Piles
307.2. 1 Material
Concrete pi les cast in pl ace agai nst eart h in dri l led or
bored holes sha l l be made in such a manner as to ensure
the exc l u s ion of a n y foreign matter and to secure a fu l l ­
si zed shaft .
The d1i l l ed o r excavated hole shall b e prevented f om
col lapse or conta m i nation by collaps i ng soi ls. Thorough
cleani ng of the hole shal l be assured and displacement of
the soi l cuu ings by notation shal l be assu red . The length
of such pile shal l be l i mited lo not more than 30 t i mes the
average d i ameter. Concrete shal l have a speci fied
compressi ve s t rength /', of not less than 1 7 M Pa.
Exception:
The length of pile may exceed 30 times rhe diameter
provided the design and i11stallation of the pile foundation
is 111 accordance with an appro ved fou11datio11
investigation report.
307.2.2 Allownhlc St resses
The a l l o wable compressi ve stress in t he concrete sha l l not
ex ceed 0 . 3 3/",. The a l l o wable compressi ve stress of
rei nforcement sha l l not exceed 34 percent of the yield
strengt h o f the s t eel or 1 75 M Pa.
N a t ionill Struct u ra l Code of t11e Pl1ilippines 6;1 Edition Vol u m e 1
CHAPTE R 3 - General & Excavation and Fills 3-1 7
307.3 Metal-Cased Concrete Piles
307.3.1 Material
Concrete used in metal -cased concrete piles shall have a
speci fied compressi ve strength i'c of not less than 1 7
M Pa.
307.3.2 Installation
Every metal casing for a concrete pi le shall have a sealed
tip with a diameter of not less than 200 mm .
Concrete piles cast in pl ace i n metal shells shall have
shells driven for thei r fu l l length in contact with the
surrounding soil and left permanently in place. The shells
shall be sufficiently strong to resi st col lapse and
sufficiently watertight to exclude water and foreign
material duri ng the placing of concrete.
Piles shall be d ri ven in such order and with such spaci ng
as to ensure against d i stortion of or i njury to pi l es already
in place. No pile shall be d ri ven wi thin four and one-hal f
average pile d i ameters of a p i l e fi l l ed with concrete l e � �;
than 24 hours old u n l ess approved by the geotechnic,l
engi neer.
307.3.3 Allowable Stresses
Al lowable stresses shal l not exceed t he values spec i fied : ;,
Section 307.2.2, except that the allowable concrek slrc ,
may be i ncreased to a maxi m u m val ue of 0.40/', for that
portion of the p i le meeti ng the fol lowing cond itions:
1. The thickness of the metal casing is not less tluu1 1 . 7
r mm (No. 1 4 carbon sheet steel gage);
2. The casi ng is seam less or is provided with seams o.'
equal strength and is of a configuration tlrn t wi 1 '.
provide confi nement to the cast-i n-place concre-''.;
3. The speci fied com pressi ve strength f',. sh a; i n·,
exceed 35 M Pa and the ratio of steel mi, .1:,
specified yield strength F,. to concrete spt..�i li
compressive strength /'< shall not be less than 6 : :u; .
4. The pile di ameter is not greater than 400 m m .
307.4 Prccast Concrete Pi les
307. 4. 1 M a terials
Prccast concrete piles shal l have a speci fi c'i comprc�si
st rength .f',. of not less than 20 M Pa, and shall de\ . · . . - .•
compressi ve strength of not less than 20 MPa !,cfr. ·
dri vi ng.
307.4.2 Reinforcement Tics
The. longitudi nal rei n forcement i n d ri ven precast ('qnc; ··
p i l es shall be l ateral l y t ied w i t h steel l i e s or w i re . , , > . ·
Tics a n d spi ral s shal l not be spaced more than ·.
1
 3- 1 8 CHAPTE R 3 ··· General & E xcavation.and Fills

apart, center to center, for a distance of 600 mm from the loads . The cffect.ive prestress in the pile s!dl ,,,.l l be- l e ·:::;
ends and not more t han 200 mm elsewhere. The gage of than 2.5 MPa for pi les up to IO m in lcn::. i : _. :,f r ;, f. .,­
ties and spi rals shall be as follows: piles up to 1 5 m i n length, and 5 MPa l e,, ,., . . . :. ;; • .::"" r
than 1 5 m in lengt h.
I. For piles having a diameter of 400 mm or less, wi re
shall not be smal ler than 5 m m ;
The compressi ve stress i n the concrete du,: ! O c ,. r,: ,-n a l ly
2. For p i l es, havi ng a di ameter o f more than 4(){) mm appl i ed load shal l not exceed :
and less than 500 m m , w i re s h a l l not be smal ler than
6 mm; a_nd J,. = 0 . 3 3/'c -0.27 f,,c
3. For pi les having a diameter o f 500 mm and larger, where:
w i re shall not be smaller than 7 m m .
fr,,. "' e ffecti ve prestress stress on the gros� :,,'t'l;':n.
307.4.3 Allowable Stresses
Effect i ve prest ress shall be based on an a:;:;;,r, ,,., ; k.. ;:, .,;
Precast concrete pil i n g shal l be designed to resist stresses 200 MPa i n the prescressi n g stee l . The al l o wa!"ik :, i re. ,, i i i
i nduced by hand l i n g and dri v i ng as wel l as by loads. The 1 h e pres tressing steel shall not exceed 'the va l u:: .-. :q.:,: . : ,. ', . -·:. .),
allowable stresses shal l not exceed the values speci fied i n i n Section 4 l 8 . 5 .
l Section 307.2.2.
! 307.5.4 Splicing
307 .5 Precast Prestres cd Concrete Piles
Where req u i red , splicing for concrete piles sha l l hr !,v use
(Pretensioned)
of embedded and properly anchored thick St.'(·i p, ,,· ,1s at
the ends being joi ned which shall then be fuH i ,, �·i ! ,. J, r,, ·
307.5. 1 Materials
by use of adeq uate s i zed dowel rods and s1 , , , : , :, . , ; , , _
Precast prcstrcssed concrete pi l es sha l l have a specified s leeve s . The dowel s and the faces shal l then ii-.: J<'i: , 1 •.
compress i ve strength f,. of not less than 3 5 M Pa and sh a l l Stru c t u ral epoxy. Met a l sp l i ce cans arc 110( :d l , , i·:, · d .
develop a com pres s i ve strength of not less than 27 MPa
before drivi ng. 307 . 6 Struct ural Steel Piles

307.5.2 Rei nforcement 307.6.1 Material

Struct ural steel p i l es . steel pipe pi les and fu l l y wd , : C , j
307.5.2. l Longit udinal Reinforcement
steel pi les fabri cated from p l a tes s h a l l confo n n io m 1 (\ t, f
The longitud i n a l rei n forcement shal l be h i gh - tens i l e the material spec i fications l i sted i n Section 50 I J .
seve n - w i re s t rand rnn form i n g to ASTM S t andard s .
Long i t ud i nal rein forcement sh a l l be latera l l y t i ed w i t h 307 .6.2 A l l owable Stresses
steel t i c s or wire spirals.
The al lowable mc ial st resses sha l l not exceed CJ 1 '.i nr ! h•
. m i n i m u m spec i fi e d yield strength F,. or Ii .� MP· .
307.5.2.2 Transverse Rei nforcement
whichever i s less.
Ties or spi ral reinforceme!ll shal l 1101 be spaced more than
75 m m apart, center to cen ter, for a distance of 600 111 111 lxception:
from the ends and not more than 200 mm el sewhere. At When justified in accordance with Section .'({)6. / / r/; . .
eac h end of the pi le, the first fi ve ti c.� or spi ra l s sh a l l be allowable axial stress may be increased abo\ 111 rl.5 M h 1
spaced 25 mm center lo center. a11d 0. 35F,, but shall Mt exceed 0.5Fr
For p i l es h a v i n g a d i a meter of 600 m m or less . wi re shal l 307.6.3 M i n i m u m Di mensions
not be smal ler than 5 m m .
Sec t i ons of dri ven H-pi lcs shal l comply wi 1 h lhc
fol lowing:
For pi les having a d i a met er greater than 600 m m b u t less
than 9(X) 111111 , w i re sha l l nol be sma! ! c r t lrn n 6 m m . I. The fl a n ge p roj e c t i o n shal l not exceed 1 4 1 i ! w ': : : ,e
m i n i m u m t h i ckness of metal i n e i t her t l w f'i :' · ':· , ·
For p i l e s h a v i ng a d i a meter greater t h a n 900 nun, w i re t h e web, and t he fl ange widths shal l not : i:· k. , , ' ·
shal ! not be smal lcr t han 7 mm. 80 perccnl or t h e dept h of tl1e sect ion.
:. 1 1
2. The nominal depl h in t he d i rect i o n or ! ht'. ·.\ , L ·,· ,: ; : ,
307 .5.J A l lowable Stresses
not be less t han 200 m m .
Prccasl prest rcssed pi l i ng shal l be des i gned 10 resist
st resses i nduced by hand l i ng and dri v i n g as ,vel l as by

/\ssor:1atio11 of Strnr:lural E n91ne<Hs of Ille f-> i1ilippines

 CHAPTER 3 - General & Excavation and Fills 3-19

Flanges and webs shall have a minimum nominal

thickness of JO mm,
,.
;$ections of driven pipe piles shall have an outside
; diameter of not less than 250 mm and a nlini mum
J thickness of not less than 6 mrn.
,' 307.7 Concrcte-f?ilfed Steel Pipe Piles
,:, The steel pipe of concrete-filled steel pipe piles shall
' conform to one of the material specifications !isled in
Section 501.3. The concrete in concrete-filled steel pipe
, piles shall have a specified compressive strengthf'c of not
, Jess than 17 MPa.
307.7.2Allowable Stresses
The allowable axial stresses shall not exceed 0.35 of the
minimum specified yield strength F_,. of the steel plus 0.33
of the specified compressive strength f',. of concrete,
provided F>' shall not be assumed greater than 250 MPa
for computational purposes.
�- �ception:
[When justified in accordance with Section 306.J 2 the
�flowable stresses may be increased to 0.50 Fr
307.7.3 Minimum Dimensions
Driven piles of uniform section shaJI have a nominal
�� outside din1ncter of not less than 200 nltn.
�:�!-�,---;-, . •.' ..·
308.1 General
In Seismic Zones 4, the further requirements of this
section shall apply to the design and construction of
foundations, foundation components ·and the connection
of superstrncture elements thereto. See Section 421.10
for additional requirements for strnctural concrete
foundations resisting seismic forces.
308.2 Foundation and Geoteclmical Investigations
Where a structure is determined to be in Seismic Zone 4
in accordance with Section 208.4, an investigation shall
be conducted and shall include an evaluation of the
following potential hazards resulting from earthquake
mo1ions: slope instability, liquefaction and surface rupture
due to faulting or lateral spreading.
In addition, the following investigations shall also be met:
l. A detennination of lateral pressures on basement and
retaining walls due to earthquake motions.
2. An assessment of potential consequences of any
liquefaction and soil strength loss, including
estimation of differential settlement, la1eral
movement or reduction in foundation soil-bearing
capacity, and shall address mitigation measures. Such

l
measures shall be given consideration in the design
of the structure and can include but arc not limited to
ground stabilization. selection of appropriate
foundation type and depths, selection of appropriate

I
structural systems to accommodate anticipated
displacements or any combination of these measures.
The potential for liquefaction and soil strength loss
shall be evaluated for site peak ground acceleration
magnitudes and source characteristics consistent with
the design earthquake ground motions. Peak ground
acceleration shall be determined from a site-specific
study taking into account soil amplification effects,
as specified in Section 208.4.

308.3 Footings and Foundations

Where a structure is assigned to Seismic Zone 4 in
accordance wi1h SccLion 208.4, individual spread footings
founded on soil defined in Section 208.4.3 as Soil profile
Type SE or SF shall be interconnected by tic beams. Tie
beams shall be capable of carrying, in tension or
compression. unless it is demonstrated that equivalent
restraint is provided by reinforced concrete beams within
slabs on grade or reinforced concrete slabs on grade.

N,1tionc1I Structural Cocle of the Pl1ilippines 6 111 Edition Volurne 1

 3-20 C H A P TEFl 3 -· General & Excavation and Fills
308.4 Pier and Pi le Foundalio
Where a stmcture is assigned to Seismic Zone 4 in
accordance with Section 208 .4, the following shal l appl y.
Individual pile caps, piers or pi les shal l be interconnected
by ties. Ties sha l l be capable of carryi ng, in tension and
compression , 1 0 % or the maxi mum axial load un less i t
c a n b e demons1rated 1ha1 equi valent restraint i s provided
by rei nforced concrete beams w i t h i n slabs on grade,
rei nforced concrele sl abs on grade, confinemen, by
compe1ent rock, hard cohesive soi ls or very dense
granu l ar soi l s . Concrete shall have a speci fied
compress ive strengt h of not less than 2 1 MPa at 28 d ays.
Exception:
Piers supporting foundation walls, isolated interior posts
detailed so the pier is not subject to lateral loads, lightly
loaded exterior decks and patios and occupancy category
JV and V specified in Section 103 not exceeding two
stories of lightframe construction, are not subject to
interconnection if it can be shown rhe soils are of
adequate stiffness, subject to the approval of the building
official.
308.4 . l Connection to Pile Cap
For pi les required Lo resi st uplift forces or to provide
rotational restraint, design of anchorage of piles i mo the
pile cap s hall be provided considering the combined effect
of axial forces due lo upl i ft and bending moments due to
fi x i t y to !he pile cap. Anchorage shal l develop a minimum
of 25 percent of t he strength of the p i l e in tensi o n .
A n c horage i nto the pi le cap s h a l l b e capab l e of
devel o p i ng t h e fol lowing:
I. I n the case of upl i ft , the lesser of the nom i nal 1ensi lc
strength of the longi tudi nal reinforcement i n a
concrete pile, or the nomi nal tensile strength of a
steel p i l e , or the p i l e upl i ft so i l nominal strength
factored by 1 . 3 or the a x i al tension force resu l t i n g
from t h e load com b i n ations or Sec t i o n 203 .
2. In the case of relational restraint, the lesser of the
axial and shear forces and moments resul t i ng rrom
the load combinations of Section 203 or development
of the ful l ax ial , bending and shear nom i n a l strength
of the pi l e.
308 .4.2 Design Details fo r Piers, Piles a n d G rade
Beams
Piers or piles sha l l be designed and constructed w
w i t hstand max i mum i m po�ed curvatures from ca11 hquakc
ground motions a n d structure response. Cu rvatu res shal l
i nc l ude free - fi e l d soi l stra i n s modi fied f'or soi l - p i l e
s 1 ruct urc i n teraction coupled w i t h p i e r o r pi l e
deform ations i nduced h y latera l pier o r p i l e resist ance l o
structure sei s m i c forces. Concrete pi ers o r pi les on soil
type Si: or S,. si tes, as determ i ned in Sec t i o n 208 .4 . :l , shal l
he desi gned and det ai led i n accordance w i t h Secl inns 4 J O
Association of Structu ral Enq,necrs of lllP. Pl1ilipp1nes
wi lhin seven pi le diameters of the pi le cap and the
f
interfaces of soft to medium sti f clay or l iquefi able strata.
Grade beams shall be designed as beams in accordance
Section 4. When g1·ade beams have the capaci ty to resist
the forces from the load combi nat i ons in Section 203 .
308.4.3 Flexura l Strength
Where the vertical lateral-force-resisti ng elements are
rnlu mns, 1he grade beam or pile cap llexural strengths
s h a l l exceed t he column flexural strength . The con nection
between batter pi les and grade beams or pile caps shall be
designed to resist the nomi nal strength of the pi le acting ·
as a short column. Batter pi les and their connection shall
be capable of resisting forces and moments from the load
combi nat ions of Section 203.
308.5 Driven Pile Fou ndations
308.5. l Preeast Concrete Pi.les
Where a structure is assi gned to Sei smic Zone 4 the
longi tudi nal rei n forcement with a minimum steel ratio of
0.0 I shal l be provided throughout the length of precast
concrete piles. W i lhi n three p i l e d i a meters of the bottom
of t he p i le cap, the longi t u d i n ;.i l re i n forcement shal l be
con fi ned w i t h c l osed t ies or spi rals of a mini 111um l O mm
diameter. Ties or spi rals shall be provi ded al a maximum
spac i ng of eight ti mes the d i ameter of the smallest
longi t udi nal bar, not lO exceed 1 50 rn111 throu ghout the
remai nder of the pile, the closed t ies or spirals shall have
a m a x i m u m spac i n g of J 6 times the smal lest longiwd i n al
b a r d i a m eter n o t to exceed 200 111 111 .
308.5.2 Prccast Prcst rcsscd Piles
Where a s1 ruc1 urc is assigned 10 Seismic Zone 4, the
fol lowing slw l l apply. The mini mum volumetric rat i o of
spi ral rei n forcem e n t . h a l l not be l ess t h a n 0. 007 or the
amount req u i red by lhc f'ol low i ng fo rm u l a f'or 1hc upper 6
1il of t he p i le.
P. = 0. 1 2 f../J,h (308.5. 1 )
where :
.r; . = S pec i fi ed com press i vt: s t re n gt h o r concrc 1 c . M Pa
J'...,, = Y i eld s 1 re n g l h of spi ra l rei n force m e n t . 586 M Pa
p, = Spi ra l rci n forcc111cnt i ndex (volume of
spi ral/vo l u me or core )
l\ t l e.as! one-hal f t h e volumet ric ratio requ i red b y Eq . 4 - 1
sha l l be pro v i ded below the u p per 6 m o f t h e p i l e. The
p i le cap con n ect i o n by m e a n s of dowel.� . P i l e cap
co11 11cct i o n by mea ns or developi ng p i le rci n rorcing s trand
is perm i t l ed provi ded t hat t h e p i l e rei n forcing s t rand
results in ;1 duct i le con nect ion.
 CHAPTE R 3 - General & Excavation and Fills 3-2 1

}Where the total pile length i n the soi l is I 0.5 m or less, the but not less than:
· lateral tran sverse reinforcement in the ductile region shall
occur through the length of the pile. Where the pile length l . 4P ] (308.5 .6)
A,,. = 0. 1 2s hc (.L)[.!. +
::exceeds 1 0.5 m, the ductile pile region shal l be taken as fr• 2 J, A,
�the greater of I 0.5 m or the distance from the underside of
i che pi l e cap lo the poi nt of zero curva t u re p l us t h ree where:
:; times tlie least pile dimension. /,,, = :S 483 M Pa
h, = Cross-sectional dimension of pile core measured
;· In the ductile region, t he cen ter-to-cemer spacing of t he center to cemer of hoop reinforcemem, mm
'. spirals or hoop reinforcement shall not exceed one- fi fth s ' = Spacing of transverse reinforcement measured
; of tl1e least pile di mension, six ti mes the diameter of the ·
along length of pile, mm
:' longitudinal stra n d , or 200 mm, whichever is smal ler. P = Axial load , N
A,1: = Cross- sect ional area of transverse rei n forcement,
·: Circular spiral rei nforcement shall be spli ced by lappi ng mm 2
: one full tum and bending the end of the spi ral to a 90- A, = Gross area of pi le, 111111
2

;: degree hook or by use of a mechanical or welded splice. = Specified compressive strength of concrete, MPa
f ,.
Where the transverse rei n forcement consists of circular The hoops and cross ties shall be equ i valent to deformed
spirals, the vol urnetiic ratio of spira l transverse bars not less than I 0mm i n size. Rectangular hoop ends
reinforcement in the duc t i l e region shall comply w i t h the shall termi nate at a comer w i th seismic hooks. Outside of
-:- foIJowj ng: the length of the pile requiring transverse confinement
rei nforcing, the spiral or hoop reinforci ng with a
p' P ·1
= 0. 1 2 .£.. ( � - 1 )[.!_ - 1 .
J,. A,•
4
2 J,. A, j
{308 .5.2) volumetric ratio not less than one-half of that required for
transverse confinement rei nforcing shall be provided.
but not less than :
306.6 Cast-In-Place Concrete Foundations
Where a strncture is assigned to Seismic Zone 4, a
(308.5.3)
minimum longitudinal rei n forcement ratio of 0.005 shall
be provided for uncased cast-in-place dri lled or augered
and need not exceed: concrete piles, piers or caissons in the top one-half of the
pile length a m i n i mu m l ength of 3 m below ground or
p, = 0.02 1 (308 . 5 . 4 ) t.hroughout the nexural length of the pile, whichever
length is greatest. The flexural length shall be taken as the
where:
length of the pi le to a point where the concrete sect ion
A g = Pile cross-section al area, mn/ cracki ng momen t strength mult i p l ied by 0.4 exceeds the
Ach = Core area defi ned b y spiral outside di ameter, m111" required moment strengt h at that poi n1. There shal l be a
f c = Specified compressive s t rength of concrete, MPa mi n i m u m of four longitudi nal bars wi th transverse
/yh = Yield s ircngth of spi ral rei n forceme n t � 5 86 M Pa con fi nement rei n forcement provided in the pile w i t h i n
P = A x i al load on pile, k N t hree l i mes t h e least pile dimensi on of t h e bottom o f the
P, = Vol u metric ratio (vol ume of spi ral/ volume of core) pile cap. A transverse spi ral reinforcement rat_io of not
less than one- hal f o[ that requi red in Section 4 1 0 for other
This required amount of spiral rei n forcement is perm itted than Soi l Profile Type St:, SF or as determined in Section
to be obtai ned hy providing an i nner and outer spi ra l . 208.4.3 or l iquefiable sites is permitted . Tie spacing
. When transverse rei nforce ment consists of rectangu l ar throughout t he rem ai nder of the concrete section sha l l
5 hoops and cross t ics, the Iola! c ross-sec t i o n a l area o r neit her exceed 1 2-l ongi l ud i n a l -bar d i ameters , one- h a l f t h e
-::., l ateral t ransverse rei n forceme n t i n t he duct i le regi on w i t h l east di mension of t h e sec t i on, nor 3 0 0 m m . Ti es s h a l l b e
spaci ngs, and perpendicu l ar 1 0 di mension, h,. shal l a m i nimum of 1 0 111 111 bars for pi les w i t h a least

,I
confoim 10: di mension up to 500 m m . and 1 2 mm bars for larger piles.

N,i lional S l rucl uml CorJe of llw Philippines 6"' Edition Vol u rn e 1
 3-22 CHAPTER 3 - General & Excavation and Fills

309.l Special Foundation Systems

Special foundation systems or materials other than
specified in the foregoing Sections may be introduced
provided that such systems can tie supported by
calculations and theory 10 be providing safe foundation
solutions and when approved by the engineer-of-record.
The special foundations solutions for incorporation into
the foundation should have proven track record of
successful usage in similar applications.

309.2 Acceptance and Approval

Structure suppon on improved ground using such special
systems or proprietary systems may be approved subject
to submittal of calculations and other proof of acceptance
and usage.

309.3 Specific Applications

Specialty foundation systems may be applied or used
specifically to address any or combinations of the
following: bearing capacity improvement, soil
liquefaction mitigation, slope stability enhancement,
control and/or acceleration of consolidation set!lements or
immediate settlements, increa�e in soil shear strength and
capacity, sliding resistance, increased pullout or
ovenuming capacity, special anchors in soil and rock and
other beneficial effects. Controlled low strength materials
(CLSM) to reduce fill loads may be allowed for use where
applicable.

Associc1tio11 of Structural Engineers of l11e Philippines