How can you optimize foundation design for seismic loads?

Soil investigation is No 1 priority, if you build any structure on a bad soil base your done, unless it’s a totally sealed floating raft, done this in Falkirk Scotland on 2 storey flats( you couldn’t go much higher) it worked well , the test bores showed totally unstable 4 metres below ground level, for me, no more bull, anything above two floors, a bad soil result🤷♂️, either excavation and serious backfilling and compacting, or piling, that’s your choices, but that’s only me, any others out there got an idea ???

To optimize concrete foundations for seismic loads, consider factors like soil analysis, proper reinforcement detailing, and employing seismic design codes. Ensure adequate lateral support and use seismic-resistant construction techniques such as base isolation or energy dissipation devices. Consulting with a structural engineer is crucial for a comprehensive seismic design tailored to the specific site conditions.

Optimizing foundation design for seismic loads in construction management involves a comprehensive approach. Begin with a meticulous soil investigation to understand site-specific seismic characteristics, adhere strictly to local building codes and regulations, and employ advanced dynamic analysis methods. Consider innovative solutions like base isolation systems and flexible foundation designs to mitigate seismic forces. Enhance reinforcement detailing, introduce redundancy in design, and select materials for seismic performance. Implement continuous monitoring systems, and collaborate closely with experienced geotechnical and structural engineers to ensure a robust, multidisciplinary strategy that prioritizes safety …

First, it's crucial to carry out a comprehensive site investigation to ascertain the characteristics of the soil. Resolving modelling errors in the structural response can be achieved by employing sophisticated analysis methods such as finite element analysis. Seismic performance can be improved by implementing cutting-edge foundation solutions like deep foundations or base isolators. Optimising also requires taking into account seismic design codes and regulations, properly reinforcing the foundation, and implementing appropriate drainage systems.

Practically most clients tends to shy away from soil investigations processes due to it high cost or sometimes unreliable data, well this can be understandable sometimes especially when the project is small (e.g like low rise buildings) however for high rise buildings or commercial infrastructure that may accommodate many users at a time engineers and contractors must ensure that due soil investigations and soil re-engineering is carried out. Soil investigations and soil engineering is a process of ensuring the soil is able to withstand loadings and earthquake/tremors.

Shallow foundations may experience a reduction in bearing capacity and increase in settlement and tilt due to seismic loading. The reduction in bearing capacity depends on the nature and type of soil and ground acceleration parameters in non-liquefiable soils.

Selection of the foundation depends upon the soil bearing capacity study of seismology of the area and foundations can be designed as per that

Hiring a third party Owners Rep such as my firm for field observation or a third party inspection agency along with standard concrete testing will help ensure the foundations and other aspects of the job adhere to the design. Although most contractors are diligent in this regard, and are contractually obligated to build to spec, the Owner should not be counting on that. Also, for deep foundations, a good pile test program can save a ton of money.

Selection of the type of foundation required depends on different factors, such, type of soil, bearing capacity and costs, the truth, in a seismic zone what really matters is to take into consideration the effect of liquefaction (if you decide to use shallow foundations) and the shear force (if you decide to use deep foundations) and always is important to use the reduction factors due seismic zone according to the standard applied for the design

Selection of the type of foundation required depends on different factors, such, type of soil, bearing capacity and costs, the truth, in a seismic zone what really matters is to take into consideration the effect of liquefaction (if you decide to use shallow foundations) and the shear force (if you decide to use deep foundations) and always is important to use the reduction factors due seismic zone according to the standard applied for the design

Deberá atenderse a la ubicación de la obra, así como a la disponibilidad de materiales, al momento de seleccionar el tipo de cimentación. Es de gran importancia regionalizar el diseño de la cimentación.

Soil-structure interaction, which represents the mutual influence between the soil and the foundation, must be carefully evaluated. To perform this analysis, several tools are available, including specialized software, models and tests. These tools allow for a thorough analysis of the foundation project, enabling it to be optimized to better meet specific site conditions and ensure the safety and efficiency of the structure. The use of advanced technological approaches is essential for carrying out accurate analysis and effective optimization of the foundation design.

I believe strongly in collaborating with the experts is essential throughout the design process. Periodic reviews and updates to the design - based on any new information or changes in project parameters are also advisable. I work closely with geotechnical engineers, structural engineers, and other relevant members to optimize the design for the required setting. They ensure that the foundation possesses sufficient strength to resist gravity and seismic loads. Their design models include for ductility to allow controlled deformation during seismic events. Account for redundancy and enhance the structure's ability to withstand unexpected failures. This is imperative in ensuring the safety and performance of a foundation under seismic loads.

The foundation design should be based on recognized engineering principles and seismic design codes specific to the location. The design should consider factors such as building weight, stiffness, and the expected ground motion during an earthquake. Techniques such as dynamic analysis, response spectrum analysis, or equivalent static analysis may be used to determine the forces and displacements that the foundation should resist. Reinforcement detailing, including proper reinforcement cover and development length, should also be considered to ensure ductility and strength.

It is the contractors responsibility to monitor construction unless the Design Professional has been retained to undertake the additional services of Construction Administration, & Construction Management. Supervision of proper implementation of the Design of the foundation based Design Construction Document plans, Geophysical data, structural calculations and site evaluation optimize the success of the foundation Design and construction in ANY geographic region, and especially in a seismic region.

Hiring a third party Owners Rep such as my firm for field observation or a third party inspection agency along with standard concrete testing will help ensure the foundations and other aspects of the job adhere to the design. Although most contractors are diligent in this regard, and are contractually obligated to build to spec, the Owner should not be counting on that. Also, for deep foundations, a good pile test program can save a ton of money.

This part of the process is often managed by the project manager. All teams need to be qualified but someone also needs to ensure all teams are meeting the required quality, engineering, and design criteria.

Durante la construcción siempre es importante corroborar los materiales y características asumidas en el diseño, asimismo realizar ensayos de comprobación a fin de optimizar algunos elementos (por ejemplo pilotes) y siempre realizar un adecuado Control de Calidad de los materiales y procesos constructivos.

Es de gran importancia contar primero con un proyecto bien definido y que contenga especificaciones claras y precisas. Y por otra parte es importante que el personal técnico conozca las normas aplicables. Hay muchos profesionales de la construcción que no se encuentran actualizados.

Performance of existing buildings in the area during previous earthquakes. The height of the building. Consider shear walls, don t use heavy concrete around balconies. Consider antiseismic bearing systems, diahonal hydraulic steel members, foundation of building's raft on underground slab on piles with sand or bearings inbetween. Fygocentric antiseismic systems on the roof. There is a big variety of antiseismic systems available today.

Avoid structural design that depends upon stacked modules. We saw what happened after seismic events in Sichuan Province, China and Northridge just outside Los Angeles, California!

1-Seismic Isolation: Consider incorporating seismic isolation techniques, such as base isolation or flexible bearings, to reduce the transmission of seismic forces to the superstructure. 2. Soil Improvement: In cases where the soil conditions are poor, soil improvement techniques like compaction grouting, deep soil mixing, or ground improvement with stone columns may be implemented to enhance the soil's stability and reduce settlement. 3- Continuous Monitoring: Implement a system for continuous monitoring of the foundation's performance during and after construction. This can help identify any potential issues or damage caused by seismic activity and facilitate timely repairs or modifications.

Quality control oversight to ensure strict compliance with design specifications and standards codes envisaged in the design basis is key to a solid fit-for-purpose and sustainable structure. This enables the translation of the good design to reality. Quality assurance documentation provides monitoring and fallback basis in cases of unforeseen future incidence of earthquake, tremor or any seismic impact. Soil/foundation interactive analysis and monitoring is very important for sustainability of the structure built.

Site Analysis: Understand site-specific seismic hazards, considering ground motion and soil conditions.Geotechnical Assessment: Conduct a thorough soil investigation to determine soil properties crucial for foundation design.Dynamic Analysis: Use advanced dynamic analysis methods like Response Spectrum or Time History Analysis to simulate seismic forces on the structure.Base Isolation: Consider incorporating base isolation techniques to decouple the building from ground motion.Increased Rigidity: Enhance foundation rigidity through design modifications, reducing lateral displacements during earthquakes.Pile Foundations: In seismic areas, consider deep foundations like piles for improved lateral load resistance.