Print this page Pole Foundation Design with Spreadsheet
John W. Andrew, P.E.
Course Outline
This course highlights the requirements for determining the embedment depths required and foundation pressures for pole foundations for signs, flagpoles, light poles and pole framed buildings in accordance with Section 1804 and Paragraph 1805.7 of the 2006 International Building Code. The course is designed to help architects and structural engineers become familiar with the design criteria for pole foundations. A copy of the 2006 International Building Code is required for this course. A downloadable Excel© spreadsheet is provided to assist with the calculations.
This course includes
a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding
of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to determine:
- the allowable lateral bearing pressure per foot of depth;
- the allowable foundation pressure;
- the maximum allowable lateral bearing pressure;
- the embedment depth required;
- the lateral bearing pressure at the embedment depth; and
- the foundation pressure.
Intended
Audience
Structural Engineers, Geotechnical Engineers and Architects.
Benefits to Attendee
The Attendee will learn how to determine the embedment depths and foundation pressures for many pole type structures, including signs, flagpoles, light poles and pole framed buildings. These pole foundations may be more efficient and easier to install than conventional spread footings in many applications.
Course Introduction
Poles foundations are commonly used for sign, flagpole and light pole foundations and pole framed buildings. A design criteria for pole foundations is indicated in Section 1804 and Paragraph 1805.7 of the 2006 International Building Code. This criteria applies to vertical poles considered columns embedded in either earth or in concrete footings in the earth and used to resist lateral loads. The backfill in the annular space around a column that is not embedded in a concrete footing shall be clean sand thoroughly compacted by tamping in layers not exceeding 8 inches in depth.
Course Content
The course content is in the following PDF file:
Pole Foundation Design with Spreadsheet
You are also requested to study the Spreadsheet in Excel:
Please click on the above underlined hypertexts to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
You may need
to download Acrobat Reader to view and print the document.
Course
Summary
This course covered the requirements for determining the embedment depths required and foundation pressures for pole foundations for signs, flagpoles, light poles and pole framed buildings in various types of soil in accordance with the 2006 International Building Code. A downloadable Excel© spreadsheet was provided to assist with the calculations.
Related Links and References
1. 2006 International Building Code, International Code Council, Inc. 500 New Jersey Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001.
2. 2006 IBC Handbook Structural Provisions, International Code Council, 4051 Flossmoor Rd., Country Club Hills, IL 60478.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
