Service Limit States

Include the following service limit states for foundation design:
  • Settlement,
  • Horizontal movements,
  • Overall stability, and
  • Scour at the design flood.
Foundation movement criteria shall be consistent with the function and type of structure, anticipated service life, and consequences of unacceptable movements on structure performance. Consideration of foundation movements shall be based upon structure tolerance to total and differential movements, rideability and economy. Foundation movements shall include all movement from settlement, horizontal movement, and rotation. The tolerable movement criteria shall be established by empirical procedures and/or structural analyses.
Evaluate foundation settlement, horizontal movement, and rotation using applicable loads in the Service I Load Combination specified in AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications Table 3.4.1-1. Transient loads may be omitted from settlement analyses for foundations bearing on or in cohesive soils that are subject to time-dependent consolidation settlement.