Deep Foundations - Overview and Design Example (Recording)

Deep foundation systems provide improved resistance to settlement and can safely support buildings founded on very poor soils. Deep foundations can also improve building performance by providing resistance to uplift loading. The design of deep foundations involves both the Geotechnical Engineer and the Structural Engineer. Thus, it is wise for the structural engineer to become more educated regarding deep foundation design. This presentation provides an overview of deep foundations, including various systems in common use, such as driven precast concrete and structural steel piles, augercast piles, cast-in-drilled-hole piles, and micropiles. Mr. Harris discusses the behavior of each system, as well as its best uses and limitations. The presentation also includes a worked example design for cast-in-place concrete piles resisting vertical and lateral loads.

Speaker Bio

Stephen Harris has practiced structural engineering for over 35 years. He is a graduate of the University of California at Davis and a registered Structural Engineer. His experience includes design of new structures, seismic strengthening of existing structures and design of pile foundation systems. He is a member of of the City and County of San Francisco Code Advisory Committee. He served as a member of the SEAONC Board of Directors in 1998-2000 and was chair of the SEAONC Seismology Committee in 1997-1998. Steve’s noteworthy projects include the 29-story 199 Fremont office building in San Francisco, the seismic upgrade and expansion of the J. Paul Leonard and Sutro Library at San Francisco State University and the seismic upgrade of the War Memorial Veterans Building in San Francisco. His pile foundation designs include the 49ers Levi’s Stadium, Facebook’s new West Campus, and the new SFO Control Tower.