Chapter 18 — SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
Section 1808A
California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) · 2019 edition · updated 2026-09-12 · California
Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.
FOUNDATIONS
1808 A .1 General. Foundations shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Sections 1808 A .2 through 1808 A .9. Shallow foundations shall satisfy the requirements of Section 1809 A . Deep foundations shall satisfy the requirements of Section 1810 A .
1808 A .2 Design for capacity and settlement. Foundations shall be so designed that the allowable bearing capacity of the soil is not exceeded, and that differential settlement is minimized. Foundations in areas with expansive soils shall be designed in accordance with the provisions of Section 1808 A .6.
The enforcing agency may require an analysis of founda- tion elements to determine subgrade deformations in order to evaluate their effect on the superstructure, including story drift.
1808 A .3 Design loads. Foundations shall be designed for the most unfavorable effects due to the combinations of loads specified in Section 1605 A .2 or 1605 A .3. The dead load is permitted to include the weight of foundations and overlying fill. Reduced live loads, as specified in Sections 1607 A .11 and 1607 A .13, shall be permitted to be used in the design of foundations.
1808 A .3.1 Seismic overturning. Where foundations are proportioned using the load combinations of Section 1605 A .2 or 1605 A .3.1, and the computation of seismic
Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.
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SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
prestressed slabs-on-ground, mat or raft foundations on expansive soils shall be designed in accordance with WRI/ CRSI Design of Slab-on-Ground Foundations and posttensioned slab-on-ground, mat or raft foundations on expansive soils shall be designed in accordance with PTI DC 10.5 . It shall be permitted to analyze and design such slabs by other methods that account for soil-structure interaction, the deformed shape of the soil support, the plate or stiffened plate action of the slab as well as both center lift and edge lift conditions. Such alternative methods shall be rational and the basis for all aspects and parameters of the method shall be available for peer review.
1808 A .6.3 Removal of expansive soil. Where expansive soil is removed in lieu of designing foundations in accordance with Section 1808 A .6.1 or 1808 A .6.2, the soil shall be removed to a depth sufficient to ensure a constant moisture content in the remaining soil. Fill material shall not contain expansive soils and shall comply with Section 1804 A .5 or 1804 A .6.
Exception: Expansive soil need not be removed to the depth of constant moisture, provided that the confining pressure in the expansive soil created by the fill and supported structure exceeds the swell pressure.
1808 A .6.4 Stabilization. Where the active zone of expansive soils is stabilized in lieu of designing foundations in accordance with Section 1808 A .6.1 or 1808 A .6.2, the soil shall be stabilized by chemical, dewatering, presaturation or equivalent techniques.
1808 A .7 Foundations on or adjacent to slopes. The placement of buildings and structures on or adjacent to slopes steeper than one unit vertical in three units horizontal (33.3percent slope) shall comply with Sections 1808 A .7.1 through 1808 A .7.5.
1808 A .7.1 Building clearance from ascending slopes. In general, buildings below slopes shall be set a sufficient distance from the slope to provide protection from slope drainage, erosion and shallow failures. Except as provided in Section 1808 A .7.5 and Figure 1808 A .7.1, the following criteria will be assumed to provide this protection. Where the existing slope is steeper than one unit vertical in one
unit horizontal (100-percent slope), the toe of the slope shall be assumed to be at the intersection of a horizontal plane drawn from the top of the foundation and a plane drawn tangent to the slope at an angle of 45 degrees (0.79 rad) to the horizontal. Where a retaining wall is constructed at the toe of the slope, the height of the slope shall be measured from the top of the wall to the top of the slope.
1808 A .7.2 Foundation setback from descending slope surface. Foundations on or adjacent to slope surfaces shall be founded in firm material with an embedment and set back from the slope surface sufficient to provide vertical and lateral support for the foundation without detrimental settlement. Except as provided for in Section 1808 A .7.5 and Figure 1808 A .7.1, the following setback is deemed adequate to meet the criteria. Where the slope is steeper than 1 unit vertical in 1 unit horizontal (100-percent slope), the required setback shall be measured from an imaginary plane 45 degrees (0.79 rad) to the horizontal, projected upward from the toe of the slope.
1808 A .7.3 Pools. The setback between pools regulated by this code and slopes shall be equal to one-half the building footing setback distance required by this section. That portion of the pool wall within a horizontal distance of 7 feet (2134 mm) from the top of the slope shall be capable of supporting the water in the pool without soil support.
1808 A .7.4 Foundation elevation. On graded sites, the top of any exterior foundation shall extend above the elevation of the street gutter at point of discharge or the inlet of an approved drainage device not less than 12 inches (305 mm) plus 2 percent. Alternate elevations are permitted subject to the approval of the building official, provided that it can be demonstrated that required drainage to the point of discharge and away from the structure is provided at all locations on the site.
end above the elevation of the street gutter at point of discharge or the inlet of an approved drainage device not less than 12 inches (305 mm) plus 2 percent. Alternate elevations are permitted subject to the approval of the building official, provided that it can be demonstrated that required drainage to the point of discharge and away from the structure is provided at all locations on the site.
1808 A .7.5 Alternate setback and clearance. Alternate setbacks and clearances are permitted, subject to the approval of the building official. The building official shall be permitted to require a geotechnical investigation as set forth in Section 1803 A .5.10.
190 2019 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.
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SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
crete is placed in a temporary or permanent casing or a mandrel, the inside face of the casing or mandrel shall be considered to be the concrete surface.
1808 A .8.3 Placement of concrete. Concrete shall be placed in such a manner as to ensure the exclusion of any foreign matter and to secure a full-size foundation. Concrete shall not be placed through water unless a tremie or other method approved by the building official is used. Where placed under or in the presence of water, the concrete shall be deposited by approved means to ensure minimum segregation of the mix and negligible turbulence of the water. Where depositing concrete from the top of a deep foundation element, the concrete shall be chuted directly into smooth-sided pipes or tubes or placed in a rapid and continuous operation through a funnel hopper centered at the top of the element.
1808 A .8.4 Protection of concrete. Concrete foundations shall be protected from freezing during depositing and for a period of not less than 5 days thereafter. Water shall not be allowed to flow through the deposited concrete.
1808 A .8.5 Forming of concrete. Concrete foundations are permitted to be cast against the earth where, in the opinion of the building official, soil conditions do not require formwork. Where formwork is required, it shall be in accordance with Section 26.11 of ACI 318.
1808 A .8 Concrete foundations. The design, materials and construction of concrete foundations shall comply with Sections 1808 A .8.1 through 1808 A .8.6 and the provisions of Chapter 19 A .
1808 A .8.1 Concrete or grout strength and mix propor- tioning. Concrete or grout in foundations shall have a specified compressive strength ( f ′c) not less than the largest applicable value indicated in Table 1808 A .8.1.
Where concrete is placed through a funnel hopper at the top of a deep foundation element, the concrete mix shall be designed and proportioned so as to produce a cohesive workable mix having a slump of not less than 4 inches (102 mm) and not more than 8 inches (204 mm). Where concrete or grout is to be pumped, the mix design including slump shall be adjusted to produce a pumpable mixture.
1808 A .8.2 Concrete cover. The concrete cover provided for prestressed and nonprestressed reinforcement in foundations shall be not less than the largest applicable value specified in Table 1808 A .8.2. Longitudinal bars spaced less than 1 1 /2 inches (38 mm) clear distance apart shall be considered to be bundled bars for which the concrete cover provided shall be not less than that required by Section 20.6.1.3.4 of ACI 318. Concrete cover shall be measured from the concrete surface to the outermost surface of the steel to which the cover requirement applies. Where con
TABLE 1808 A .8.1
| MINIMUM SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH f ′C OF CONCR | RETE OR GROUT |
|---|---|
| FOUNDATION ELEMENT OR CONDITION | SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH,****_f _′c |
| 1. Foundations for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F | 3,000 psi |
| 2. Precast nonprestressed driven piles | 4,000 psi |
| 3. Socketed drilled shafts | 4,000 psi |
| 4. Micropiles | 4,000 psi |
| 5. Precast prestressed driven piles | 5,000 psi |
For SI: 1 pound per square inch = 0.00689 MPa.
TABLE 1808A.8.2 MINIMUM CONCRETE COVER
| FOUNDATION ELEMENT OR CONDITION | MINIMUM COVER |
|---|---|
| 1. Shallow foundations | In accordance with Section 20.6 of ACI 318 |
| 2. Precast nonprestressed deep foundation elements Exposed to seawater Not manufactured under plant conditions Manufactured under plant control conditions |
3 inches 2 inches In accordance with Section 20.6.1.3.3 of ACI 318 |
| 3. Precast prestressed deep foundation elements Exposed to seawater Other |
2.5 inches In accordance with Section 20.6.1.3.3 of ACI 318 |
| 4. Cast-in-place deep foundation elements not enclosed by a steel pipe, tube or permanent casing | 2.5 inches |
| 5. Cast-in-place deep foundation elements enclosed by a steel pipe, tube or permanent casing | 1 inch |
| 6. Structural steel core within a steel pipe, tube or permanent casing | 2 inches |
| 7. Cast-in-place drilled shafts enclosed by a stable rock socket | 1.5 inches |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.
100735044
SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
1808 A .8.6 Seismic requirements. See Section 1905 A for additional requirements for foundations of structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.
For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, provisions of Section 18.13 of ACI 318 shall apply where not in conflict with the provisions of Sections 1808 A through 1810 A .
1808 A .9 Vertical masonry foundation elements. Vertical masonry foundation elements that are not foundation piers as defined in Section 202 shall be designed as piers, walls or columns, as applicable, in accordance with TMS 402.
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Ask AI about this code▸Contents — California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2)
- Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
- Appendix G — FLOOD-RESISTANT
- Appendix L — EARTHQUAKE RECORDING
- Appendix M — TSUNAMI-GENERATED
- Chapter 1 — SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 3 — OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
- Chapter 4 — SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED
- Chapter 5 — GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
- Chapter 6 — TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 7 — FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
- Chapter 7A — MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 8 — INTERIOR FINISHES
- Chapter 9 — FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
- Chapter 10 — MEANS OF EGRESS
- Chapter 11A — HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY
- Chapter 11B — ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMM…
- Chapter 12 — INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT
- Chapter 14 — EXTERIOR WALLS
- Chapter 15 — ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND ROOFTOP STRUCTURES
- Chapter 16 — STRUCTURAL DESIGN
- Chapter 16A — STRUCTURAL DESIGN
- Chapter 17 — SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
▸Chapter 18 — SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
Overview- Section 1801
- Section 1802
- Section 1803
- Section 1804
- Section 1805
- Section 1806
- Section 1807
- Section 1808
- Section 1809
- Section 1810
- Section 1811
- Section 1812
- Section 1813
- Section 1803A
- Section 1801A
- Section 1802A
- Section 1804A
- Section 1805A
- Section 1806A
- Section 1807A
- Section 1808A
- Section 1809A
- Section 1810A
- Section 1811A
- Section 1812A
- Section 1813A
- Chapter 19 — CONCRETE
- Chapter 20 — ALUMINUM
- Chapter 21 — MASONRY
- Chapter 22 — STEEL
- Chapter 23 — WOOD
- Chapter 24 — GLASS AND GLAZING
- Chapter 25 — GYPSUM BOARD, GYPSUM PANEL PRODUCTS AND PLASTER
- Chapter 26 — PLASTIC
- Chapter 27 — ELECTRICAL
- Chapter 28 — MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
- Chapter 30 — ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS
- Chapter 31 — SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 31B — PUBLIC POOLS
- Chapter 31C — RADIATION
- Chapter 31D — FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 31F — MARINE OIL TERMINALS
- Chapter 32 — ENCROACHMENTS INTO THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
- Chapter 33 — SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 35 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
- Appendix A — EMPLOYEE QUALIFICATIONS
- Appendix B — BOARD OF APPEALS
- Appendix C — GROUP U – AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS
- Appendix D — FIRE DISTRICTS
- Appendix F — RODENTPROOFING
- Appendix H — SIGNS
- Appendix I — PATIO COVERS
- Appendix J — GRADING
- Appendix K — GROUP R-3 AND GROUP R-3.1 OCCUPANCIES
- Appendix N — REPLICABLE BUILDINGS
- Appendix O — EMERGENCY HOUSING