T&D DRILLED SHAFT

DESIGN MANUAL

REV. 0 LAST UPDATED: 01/03/11

Drilled Shaft Design Manual Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page No.

1.0  INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................... 1-1 

2.0  DESIGN INPUTS............................................................................................... 2-1 

2.1  Load Input ........................................................................................................................ 2-1 
2.2  Minimum Shaft Diameter ................................................................................................ 2-3 

3.0  GEOTECHNICAL INFORMATION .................................................................... 3-1 

3.1  Design Parameters ........................................................................................................... 3-2 
3.1.1  Substation Foundations .................................................................................................... 3-2 
3.1.2  Transmission Foundations ............................................................................................... 3-3 
3.1.3  Geotechnical Design Values ............................................................................................ 3-4 
3.2  Design Results ................................................................................................................. 3-5 

4.0  LONGITUDINAL STEEL DESIGN .................................................................... 4-1 

4.1  Compression Design ........................................................................................................ 4-2 
4.2  Uplift Design .................................................................................................................... 4-3 

5.0  SHEAR REINFORCEMENT DESIGN ............................................................... 5-1 

5.1  Drilled Shaft Transfer and Column Zones ....................................................................... 5-2 

6.0  DRILLED SHAFT DESIGN REQUIREMENTS.................................................. 6-1 

APPENDIX A.1 - COLUMN INTERACTION DIAGRAMS............................................... 7 

APPENDIX A.2 – DRILLED SHAFT SPREADSHEET ................................................... 8 

Rev. 0 i
Drilled Shaft Design Manual Table of Contents

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Page No.

Figure 2-1: Spreadsheet Input of Foundation Design Loads (Sheet 1) ..................................... 2-1
Figure 2-2: Spreadsheet Input to Calculate the Minimum Drilled Shaft Diameter
(Sheet 1) ................................................................................................................. 2-3
Figure 2-3: Shaft Diameter Diagram......................................................................................... 2-4
Figure 3-1: Drilled Shaft Foundation "Free-Head Condition" .................................................. 3-2
Figure 3-2: Drilled Shaft Foundation Design Parameters Input (Sheet 2) ................................ 3-2
Figure 3-3: Rotation and Deflection of a Drilled Shaft............................................................. 3-3
Figure 3-4: Spreadsheet Values for Geotechnical Design (Sheet 2) ......................................... 3-4
Figure 3-5: Spreadsheet Input for Geotechnical Design (Sheet 2) ........................................... 3-5
Figure 3-6: Sample Stress Distribution for Drilled Shaft Geotechnical Analysis .................... 3-6
Figure 4-1: Spreadsheet Input to Calculate Drilled Shaft Longitudinal Reinforcement
(Sheet 3) ................................................................................................................. 4-1
Figure 4-2: Drilled Shaft Reinforcement Plan View................................................................. 4-5
Figure 5-1: Profile of Drilled Shaft Foundation Shear Strength Design Zones ........................ 5-1
Figure 5-2: Spreadsheet Input to Calculate Shear Reinforcement (Sheet 4)............................. 5-3
Figure 5-3: Drilled Shaft Reinforcement Plan .......................................................................... 5-3
Figure 6-1: Minimum Required Longitudinal Reinforcement Development Length ............... 6-1
Figure 6-2: Drilled Shaft Summary Page (Sheet 6) .................................................................. 6-2

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Drilled Shaft Design Manual Design Inputs

1.0 INTRODUCTION

In the design of high-voltage substations and transmission lines, drilled shaft foundations are the preferred
foundation type to support the structures. Drilled shafts provide a design capable of efficiently supporting
a structure and transmitting its loads to the surrounding soil mass.

Drilled shafts are similar to compression members, however due to continuous support along their entire
length, slenderness effects are neglected.

The process of drilled shaft design involves coordination between both the geotechnical engineer and the
structural engineer. Burns & McDonnell utilizes an in-house spreadsheet program to administer the
design of drilled shaft foundations. This document serves as a guide to summarize and provide a better
understanding of the design process within the spreadsheet. In addition, this document explains the
contents and formulas in the spreadsheet for the design engineer to understand.

*****

Rev. 0 1-1
Drilled Shaft Design Manual Design Inputs

2.0 DESIGN INPUTS

2.1 LOAD INPUT

Foundation design loads are determined by the structural engineer. Loads are selected based on review of
structure design calculations to determine which load case provides maximum base reactions. The design
loads are entered on Sheet 1 of the design spreadsheet. (See Figure 2-1).

Figure 2-1: Spreadsheet Input of Foundation Design Loads (Sheet 1)

(Structural Engineer Design Inputs)

SHEET 1 OF 6

Drilled shaft foundations will be designed to support the following loads:

Cells [1.B] & [1.H] Axial Compression Loads & Uplift Loads (Absolute Values)
Axial loads may consist of any of the following:
• Dead loads of supporting structures
• Live loads of supporting structures
• Axial loads from wind/seismic events
• Axial loads from equipment

Cells [1.C] & [1.D] Lateral Loads Vx and Vy

Lateral Loads may consist of any of the following:
• Lateral loads due to wind/seismic
• Lateral loads from equipment
• Lateral loads from conductor tensions
2
Where, V xy = V x + V y
2

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Drilled Shaft Design Manual Design Inputs

Cells [1.F] & [1.G] Moments Mx & My

Bending Moments may consist of any of the following:
• Moments due to eccentric vertical loads
• Moments due to effects from wind/seismic
• Moments from equipment
• Moments from conductor tensions

Where, M xy = Mx + My
2 2

In structure design, the design engineer is required to investigate all possible load combinations as
required by applicable design codes and standards. The following load cases may be considered in
structure design:

1. National Electric Safety Code (NESC) Loading Conditions

2. Extreme Ice
3. Seismic Conditions
4. Emergency Short Circuit Conditions
5. Deflection Check

In standard design practice, Burns & McDonnell recommends that substation steel structures be designed
to meet Allowable Stress Design requirements and transmission structure be designed to meet Ultimate
Strength Design. Foundations are designed based on the foundation load combinations that demonstrate
the most unfavorable effects.

To determine the controlling load combination for foundation design, the design engineer shall consider
one of two methods:

1. Individually investigate each and all load combinations in the foundation design to determine the
largest potential foundation size.

Rev. 0 2-2
Drilled Shaft Design Manual Design Inputs

2. Select the envelope of foundation reactions in the design from all load combinations.

This will include:

- Max Compression Axial Load - Max Shear in X or Y direction

- Max Uplift Axial Load - Max Moments about X or Y direction

2.2 MINIMUM SHAFT DIAMETER

The minimum drilled shaft foundation diameter will be calculated in the design spreadsheet based upon
the following information (See Figure 2-2 and 2-3):

• Structure anchor bolt information

• Longitudinal and shear reinforcement sizes
• Minimum required rebar clearances

Figure 2-2: Spreadsheet Input to Calculate the

Minimum Drilled Shaft Diameter (Sheet 1)
(Structural Engineer Design Inputs)

SHEET 1 OF 6

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Drilled Shaft Design Manual Design Inputs

Figure 2-3: Shaft Diameter Diagram

2A = Distance between anchor bolt

centerlines
2B = Distance between anchor bolt
centerlines
C = Anchor bolt circle diameter

CL1 = Clear spacing between anchor

bolt or template edge and
vertical rebar
CL2 = Clear spacing between shear
tie and edge of concrete

Clearances for CL1 & CL2:

CL1 = Greatest of the following:
1.) 3 in. minimum
2.) Greatest distance from edge of anchor bolt to edge of template + 1.5 in.

The default value for CL1 is 4.88 in. This value approximates for anchor bolts with templates. The
engineer shall verify clearances for the actual template dimensions.

CL2 = ACI Code requires 3 in. minimum clear spacing. (ACI 318-08, 7.7.1 (a))

The design spreadsheet will calculate the minimum drilled shaft diameter and will be as follows (2-1):

Dia = C + A.B.dia + 2(CL1 ) + 2(d b ) + 2(d v ) + 2(CL2 ) (2-1)

[1.M] [1.J] [1.Q] [1.J] [1.P] [1.R]

The design engineer will select an initial drilled shaft diameter based on the calculated minimum shaft
diameter and design requirements. The selected diameter of the drilled shaft is typically dependent on
available drill auger sizes. Typical drilled shaft diameters are available in the following sizes:

DIAMETER AVAILABLE SIZES

24 in. to 72 in. 6 in. Increments
84 in. to 120 in. 12 in. Increments

Rev. 0 2-4
Drilled Shaft Design Manual Design Inputs

The recommended minimum drilled shaft diameter is 30 in. This minimum shaft diameter is to provide
an effective excavated hole size for potential drilled shaft inspection. Any selected drilled shaft
foundation size that is less than 30-in. must be approved by the geotechnical engineer.

The anchor bolt embedment check will verify proper transfer of the load from the anchor bolt to the
longitudinal steel. This check is based on the embedment length of the anchor bolt with a failure plane
projected at 350 which intersects the longitudinal reinforcement. The development length for the
longitudinal reinforcement is then verified. If the calculation is satisfied “OK” will be displayed otherwise
“NG” will be displayed. If the check is not satisfied the foundation engineer will have the following three
options:
1. Increase the anchor bolt embedment depth to fully develop the longitudinal reinforcement.
2. Reduce the longitudinal reinforcement size, resulting in a smaller required development
length.
3. Calculate anchor bolt breakout for the applied loads.

*****

Rev. 0 2-5
Drilled Shaft Design Manual Geotechnical Information

3.0 GEOTECHNICAL INFORMATION

An official geotechnical exploration of the proposed site is recommended for the design of drilled shafts.
In some instances, existing subsurface information is available. This information can be utilized to plan a
more efficient supplemental geotechnical exploration. This exploration should consist of a sufficient
number of exploratory borings and appropriate laboratory testing providing material characteristics, the
recommended shear strength parameters, and other required design criteria.

The results of the geotechnical exploration, and any existing subsurface information, are then used to
develop the geotechnical design criteria. The drilled shaft design will consider the interaction between
the shaft and the surrounding soil and/or rock encountered during the geotechnical exploration. For drilled
shaft structures, both static axial loads (uplift and compression) and lateral loads are considered during the
design process. Drilled shafts can be designed to transfer the loads to the soil by both skin friction and
end bearing pressures. The methods of load transfer will depend on soil types and be determined by the
geotechnical engineer. In addition, the drilled shaft will be designed to resist the internal stresses caused
by the applied loads.

The axial analysis will consider the applied axial loads. For most structures, applied axial compression
loads do not govern the final shaft diameter and length. However, heavily loaded dead-end structures,
structures with applied uplift loads, and sites with soft clay or loose sand deposits can be exceptions to
this generalization.

Lateral loads and overturning moments typically govern drilled shaft design. A lateral analysis will be
performed utilizing a computer program which applies finite element methods to determine the deflection
and rotation of the shaft top. Computer programs utilized by Burns & McDonnell include the LPILE
program (developed by the ENSOFT Corporation) and a version of the COM624 Fortran code (the base
code for the LPILE program) that has been developed in-house. The lateral analysis will typically
evaluate the performance of the drilled shaft under “free-head” or “fixed-head” conditions. (See figure 3-
1). In addition, the analysis is used to determine the shear and moment within the foundation.

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Drilled Shaft Design Manual Geotechnical Information

Figure 3-1: Drilled Shaft Foundation "Free-Head Condition"

U = Uplift
P = Axial Load
M = T.O.C. Moment
V = T.O.C. Shear

The following standard design parameters input shall be applied towards the geotechnical analysis in the
foundation design unless project specific parameters have been developed (See Figure 3-2):

Figure 3-2: Drilled Shaft Foundation Design Parameters Input (Sheet 2)

(Structural Engineer Design Inputs)

Design Parameters:
Max. Allowable Lateral Deflection 1 In.
Max. Allowable Rotation at T.O.C. 0.5 Deg. Factor of Safety (Soil in Compression) 2.0
Concrete Compressive Strength 4,000 psi Factor Safety (Soil in Uplift) 1.5
Rebar Yield Strength 60,000 psi

SHEET 2 OF 6

3.1 DESIGN PARAMETERS

3.1.1 Substation Foundations

For substation structures, excessive foundation rotations and deflections will impact the operation of
equipment. As a result, rotation and deflections are critical towards the drilled shaft foundation design.

Unless otherwise specified, the allowable lateral deflection and rotation criteria for substation drilled shaft
foundation design will be as follows:

Maximum Allowable Lateral Deflection at Top of Concrete shall be 1.0” (∆)

Maximum Allowable Rotation at Top of Concrete shall be 0.5 deg (Θ)

Rev. 0 3-2
Drilled Shaft Design Manual Geotechnical Information

3.1.2 Transmission Foundations

For most transmission structures, foundation rotations and deflections do not affect the performance of
the structure. However, the foundation parameters must be verified with the design requirements for the
supported structure.

Unless otherwise specified and consulted with the geotechnical engineers, the allowable lateral deflection
and rotation criteria for transmission drilled shaft foundation design will be as follows:

Monopole Structure
Maximum Allowable Lateral Deflection at Top of Concrete shall be 2.0” (∆)

Maximum Allowable Rotation at Top of Concrete shall be 1.0 deg (Θ)

Multi-legged Structure
Maximum Allowable Lateral Deflection at Top of Concrete shall be 1.0” (∆)

Maximum Allowable Rotation at Top of Concrete shall be 0.5 deg (Θ)

Figure 3-3: Rotation and Deflection of a Drilled Shaft

Rev. 0 3-3
Drilled Shaft Design Manual Geotechnical Information

3.1.3 Geotechnical Design Values

Load factors are applied to structure reactions entered on Sheet 1 and provided to the geotechnical
engineer for the completion of the geotechnical design of the foundation. The geotechnical engineer,
through the process previously described, will calculate the final shaft diameter and shaft length,
longitudinal reinforcement ratio, and internal stresses caused by the applied loads. (See figure 3-4 and 3-
5)

Figure 3-4: Spreadsheet Values for Geotechnical Design (Sheet 2)

(Structural Engineer Design Inputs [2.A])
(Geotechnical Engineer Design Inputs [2.F] & [2.H])

SHEET 2 OF 6

Cell [2.A] Applied Ultimate Load Factor

An overload factor shall be applied towards the geotechnical
design. Unless otherwise specified, standard values are:

Substation foundations
Load Factor= 1.10

Transmission foundations
Load Factor = 1.05 - 1.10
Design Loads for Geotechnical Design

Cell [2.B] Bearing

Axial Compressive Load × Load Factor

Cell [2.C] Shear

Resultant Shear × Load Factor

Cell [2.D] Moment

Resultant Moment × Load Factor

Cell [2.E] Uplift

Uplift Force will be unfactored

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Drilled Shaft Design Manual Geotechnical Information

Cell [2.F] Final Shaft Diameter

The final shaft diameter will be provided by the geotechnical
engineer based upon the soil conditions and loading provided.

Cell [2.H] Final Longitudinal Reinforcement

Minimum Longitudinal Reinforcement – The initial minimum %

longitudinal reinforcement will be set at 0.75%. (BMcD T&D Standard)

The final % longitudinal reinforcement will be determined based

on drilled shaft stiffness requirements to meet allowable deflection
and rotation requirements in the lateral analysis and provided by
the geotechnical engineer.

3.2 DESIGN RESULTS

The geotechnical design will yield the following:

Figure 3-5: Spreadsheet Input for Geotechnical Design (Sheet 2)

(Structural Engineer Design Inputs provided by Geotechnical Engineer)

SHEET 2 OF 6

Cell [2.I] Rock Embedment

The minimum required rock embedment is determined from soil
investigation information. If rock embedment is required, the
structural engineer shall verify the development of the rebar beyond
the start of the rock embedment.

Cell [2.J] Rock Socket Required

Geotechnical Engineer will identify if the rock socket is required as
a design component based on the applied loads.

Cell [2.K] Total Embedment

The total required embedment is the length of shaft required below
subgrade elevation.

Cell [2.L] Reveal

The design reveal (the portion of the shaft which is exposed above
subgrade) utilized in the analysis.

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Drilled Shaft Design Manual Geotechnical Information

Cell [2.M] Lateral Deflection

The lateral deflection at the top of the shaft, determined during the
lateral analysis, for the specified total embedment, reveal, and
applied loads.

Cell [2.N] Rotation

The rotation of the top of the shaft, determined during the lateral
analysis, for the specified total embedment, reveal and applied
loads.

Cell [2.O] Internal Moment

The maximum moment occurring within the structure and the depth
below the top of the shaft at which it is located.

Cell [2.Q] Internal Shear

The maximum shear occurring within the structure and the depth
below the top of the shaft at which it is located.

Figure 3-6: Sample Stress Distribution for Drilled Shaft Geotechnical Analysis

X = Depth to Maximum Internal Shear Cell [2.R]

Y = Depth to Maximum Internal Moment Cell [2.P]

The geotechnical analysis will provide the structural engineer with both the shafts maximum internal
shear moment. This information is used to design the required longitudinal and shear tie reinforcement.

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Drilled Shaft Design Manual Geotechnical Information

In the structural design, the drilled shaft will be analyzed as two zones for shear – 1) a transfer zone
and 2) a column zone. It is recommended in design practice to apply the maximum internal shear in the
drilled shaft towards both the transfer zone and column zone design. If shear reinforcing requirements
become too great, the structural engineer may apply the actual maximum loads for each zone.
Cell [2.S and 2.T]

*****

Rev. 0 3-7
Drilled Shaft Design Manual Longitudinal Steel Design

4.0 LONGITUDINAL STEEL DESIGN

ACI Code will govern the design of longitudinal reinforcement in drilled shafts following design
principles for non-slender reinforced concrete columns. Design of longitudinal reinforcement for drilled
shafts will be analyzed for both compression and uplift conditions, if necessary, in addition to flexure due
to bending moments. The design spreadsheet and calculations are based on general column principles and
design requirements according to ACI 318-08.

Figure 4-1: Spreadsheet Input to Calculate Drilled Shaft

Longitudinal Reinforcement (Sheet 3)
(Structural Engineer Design Inputs)

SHEET 3 OF 6

(*) Spreadsheet will notify that uplift will control the required minimum area of steel

Cell [3.A] Reinforcement Load Factor

A reinforcement load factor shall be applied to the drilled shaft
foundation design. This load factor will be applied to meet
ultimate design strength requirements. Unless otherwise
specified, standard values are:

Substation Foundations
Reinforcement Load Factor = 1.50 (LF X RLF = 1.65)

Transmission Foundations
Reinforcement Load Factor = 1.05 - 1.10

Cell [3.B] Gross Cross-Sectional Area of Drilled Shaft, Ag

π ⋅ ( ShaftDiameter ) 2
Ag =
4

Rev. 0 4-1
Drilled Shaft Design Manual Longitudinal Steel Design

Cell [3.C] Diameter of Steel Cage, Dc

Dc = ShaftDiameter − 2(CL2 ) − 2(d v ) − d b

CL2 = Concrete cover dimension. Minimum 3” minimum
dv = Diameter of shear tie bar
db = Diameter of longitudinal reinforcement bar

4.1 COMPRESSION DESIGN

A column member in compression may be designed using column strength interaction design charts
(design aids which define the failure axial load and failure moment for a given column cross-section)
from ACI Design Publications. Given the drilled shaft diameter and the applied axial and moment loads,
the structural engineer may determine the minimum reinforcement ratio (ρ) to meet strength
requirements. Appendix I provides applicable column interaction charts which have been developed for
various reinforcement ratios.

The combined axial and moment capacity of a column member subjected to compression loading is
designed using the following parameters:

Cell [3.D] Ratio of Dc/Diameter, γ

Dc
γ =
Diameter
Cell [3.E] Compressive Axial Load Strength Interaction Component
(y-axis in Strength Interaction Chart)

Pn
Kn = ACI SP-17(09)
f ' c ⋅ Ag

f’c = Concrete compressive strength

Pu (RLF )
Pn = Design nominal load Pn =
φ
φ = 0.7 per ACI Appendix C.9.3.2.2 b
Ag = Drilled shaft cross-sectional area
RLF = Reinforcement Load Factor
Diameter = Overall shaft cross section diameter

Rev. 0 4-2
Drilled Shaft Design Manual Longitudinal Steel Design

Cell [3.F] Moment Strength Interaction Component

(x-axis in Strength Interaction Chart)

Mn
Rn = ACI SP-17(09)
f ' c ⋅ A g ⋅Diameter

M u (RLF )
M n = Design nominal internal moment M n =
φ
Cell [3.G] Rebar Area to Concrete Area Ratio

The reinforcement ratio, ρ, will be a minimum value of 0.75% for

drilled shaft foundation design. (BMcD T&D Standard)

Given the trial reinforcement ratio value, the structural engineer shall
complete the following:

1. Select an applicable strength interaction chart.

2. Plot values Pn/f’c*Ag (y-axis) against Mn/f’c*Ag*Dia (x-axis) in
the interaction chart.
3. From the chart, verify if the 0.75% drilled shaft reinforcement
will be adequate. Increase reinforcement if required.
4. Calculate the total “compression” steel area, Asc.
Cell [3.I] Area of Steel, As
If compression will control design:

Asc = ρ ⋅ Ag

4.2 UPLIFT DESIGN

The combined axial and moment capacity of a column member subjected to uplift loading shall be
designed using the following parameters:

Cell [3.H] Average Diameter

0.8 Dia + 23 Dc
Davg =
2

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Drilled Shaft Design Manual Longitudinal Steel Design

Cell [3.I] Area of Steel, As

If uplift will control design:

fy = 60 ksi
1 ⎡ Pup 4 ⋅ M up Vup ⎤ φ = 0.9
Asu = ⎢ + + ⎥
fy ⎣⎢ φ φ ⋅ Davg φ '⋅μ ⎦⎥ φ’ = 0.85
μ = 1.4

Pup = Uplift axial load foundation reaction (kips)

Mup = Maximum foundation moment reaction (kip-ft)
Vup = Maximum foundation shear reaction (kips)

Minimum Area of Steel

The minimum longitudinal reinforcement provided to meet design requirements for the drilled shaft
foundation shall be the maximum calculated area of steel between the compression condition and the
uplift condition:
Asreq’d will be the greatest value of the following:
• (Asc) Calculated compression area of steel

• (Asu) Calculated uplift area of steel

• (Asmin) 0.0075 × Ag

Once the minimum area of steel is calculated, the number and size of the longitudinal reinforcement bars
may be determined. It is recommended in design to use a quantity of not less than eight rebar per drilled
shaft.

Minimum Longitudinal Clear Spacing

In design, clear spacing limits shall reside between 3” and 6” unless otherwise specified.

π ⋅ Dc
Calculated Clear Spacing, CLR = − db
# ofBars

Rev. 0 4-4
Drilled Shaft Design Manual Longitudinal Steel Design

Figure 4-2: Drilled Shaft Reinforcement Plan View

*****

Rev. 0 4-5
Drilled Shaft Design Manual Shear Reinforcement Design

5.0 SHEAR REINFORCEMENT DESIGN

A minimum amount of shear reinforcement shall be provided throughout the entire length. The minimum
required shear reinforcement for a drilled shaft foundation will be analyzed and designed into two zones
1) Transfer Zone and 2) Column Zone.

For a drilled shaft foundation using anchor bolts, the length of the Transfer Zone and Column Zone will
be defined as shown in Figure 5-1.

Figure 5-1: Profile of Drilled Shaft Foundation Shear Strength Design Zones

Design of shear reinforcement for drilled shafts shall meet the following procedure based on ACI Code:

1. Calculate the factored shear reinforcement, Vu, in both the Transfer and Column Zones.

2. Determine the allowable shear strength carried by the concrete, φ Vc (in compression & uplift
conditions); (φ = 0.75 for Shear). (ACI 318-08, 9.3.2.3)

3. Shear reinforcement will be calculated in conditions based on both uplift and compression
loading.

Rev. 0 5-1
Drilled Shaft Design Manual Shear Reinforcement Design

4. The minimum required shear reinforcement for a concrete member is

bw ⋅ s 50 ⋅ bw ⋅ s
Av ,min = 0.75 f ' c . But ≥ Av = (ACI 318-08, 11.4.6.3)
f yt f yt

5. Provide stirrups to carry the required shear (Vu - φ Vc). (Vu - φ Vc) will be limited to

φ8 f ' c bwd,. (ACI 318-08, 11.4.7.9)

6. The maximum required shear tie spacing, s = φ Avfyd/(Vu - φVc), and will be limited to the
minimum of Avfy/50bw ,d/2, and 24 in. (ACI 318-08, 11.4.7.2 & 11.4.5.1)

7. If the quantity (Vu - φ Vc) exceeds φ 4 f ' c bwd, the maximum spacing, s must be reduced by
one-half to d/4 or 12 in. (ACI 318-08, 11.4.5.3)

5.1 DRILLED SHAFT TRANSFER AND COLUMN ZONES

The purpose of considering the drilled shaft as two separate design zones for shear reinforcement is 1)
provide adequate confinement for the longitudinal reinforcement 2) ensure an adequate shear transfer path
throughout the shaft and 3) increase the ductility at critical areas of the foundation. Structural cracking
(especially in the transfer zone) can be detrimental to the drilled shaft performance; as a result, sufficient
shear reinforcement will need to be provided to control cracking and to prevent an anchor bolt blowout
failure condition.

Unless otherwise required, standard practical bar sizes for shear reinforcement should be limited to No. 4
through No. 9 bars. Minimum spacing limits of reinforcement have been established in ACI Code based
on adequate concrete flow between bars. For construction requirements, it is recommended to use larger
stirrup spacing than the minimum limits specified in ACI Code. A good rule of thumb will be to limit the
center-to-center stirrup spacing to db + 3in. This spacing recommendation of stirrups will also apply
between lap splice locations.

Rev. 0 5-2
Drilled Shaft Design Manual Shear Reinforcement Design

Figure 5-2: Spreadsheet Input to Calculate Shear Reinforcement (Sheet 4)

SHEET 4 OF 6

Figure 5-3: Drilled Shaft Reinforcement Plan

Effective Shear Diameter of Shaft, He

For the calculation of required shear reinforcement of circular members, the
effective diameter (He) will be determined from the following:

He = H , For ratio clear cover/diameter ≤ 0.1

0.8 ⋅ H + 2 / 3 ⋅ Dc
He = , For ratio clear cover/diameter > 0.1
2

Dc = Diameter of longitudinal steel cage.

Cell [4.A] Affective Shear Area of Shaft, Ae

Ae = Ag , For ratio cover/diameter ≤ 0.1

⎛π ⎞
Ae = (1.25 ⋅ Dc) 2 ⎜ ⎟ , For ratio cover/diameter > 0.1
⎝4⎠

Rev. 0 5-3
Drilled Shaft Design Manual Shear Reinforcement Design

Transfer Zone Shear Reinforcement Design

Given that high stresses tend to occur near the anchor bolt vicinity, the Transfer Zone length is
determined from the predicted blowout failure plane of the anchor bolt group. This failure plane will be
calculated as a blowout cone projecting 45-degrees outward from the anchor bolt to the edge of concrete
(Figure 5-1).

The Transfer Zone length is a function of both the anchor bolt embedment and the shaft diameter. The
designed Transfer Zone length will be calculated from the greatest value of the following:

Dia − C
• ld +
2
• Shaft Diameter

ld = Anchor bolt embedment depth

C = Anchor bolt circle

Transfer Zone shear reinforcement is based on the assumption that the concrete strength does not
contribute to the overall strength of the drilled shaft (Assume Vc = 0).

Cell [4.I] Factored Shear Force in Transfer Zone, Vu

Vu = (S.F.) × V

RLF = Reinforcement Load Factor

V = Maximum Internal Shear at the Transfer Zone

Cell [4.J] Calculated Transfer Zone Shear Tie Spacing, S

Minimum value of the following (S1,S2 or S3):

[ACI 318-08, 7.10.5.2] Minimum of: 16 × db (S1)

48 × dShear Ties

φ ⋅ ( Av)( fy )( He)
[ACI EQ 11-15] ; Where φ Vc = 0 (S2)
Vs

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Drilled Shaft Design Manual Shear Reinforcement Design

Cell [4.K] Shear Tie Spacing in Transfer Zone, Smax

In design, the user has the option to either input the Transfer Zone shear tie
spacing or use the calculated shear tie spacing in the spreadsheet. This
calculated spacing will be the minimum of the following:

• Minimum of Spacing S1 or S2
• ½ of the Column Zone Shear Tie Spacing (T&D Standard)

Column Zone Shear Reinforcement Design

The Column Zone shear reinforcement will be designed taking into account that the concrete provides
strength to the drilled shaft strength ( φ Vc ≠ 0). The Column Zone design will follow ACI Code design

for a continuously supported column member. The drilled shaft design will be classified as a structural
member subjected to shear with axial compression/uplift. Shear reinforcement will be calculated on the
basis of both compression and uplift axial conditions.

Cell [4.B] Factored Shear Force in Column Zone, Vuc

Vuc = (S.F.) × Vcol

RLF. = Reinforcement Load Factor

Vcol = Maximum Internal Shear at the Column Zone (lbs)

Cell [4.C] Shear Strength of Concrete in Axial Compression, φVcc

⎛
φ ⋅ Vcc = φ ⋅ 2 ⋅ ⎜⎜1 +
Pcc ⋅ S .F . ⎞
2000 ⋅ Ag ⎟⎠
⎟ ( )
f ' c ( Ae ) [ACI 318-08, 11.2.1.2]
⎝

S.F. = Reinforcement Load Factor

Pcc = Axial Compression Load at Cross Section (lbs)

Cell [4.F] Shear Strength of Concrete in Uplift, φVcu

⎛
φ ⋅ Vcu = φ ⋅ 2 ⋅ ⎜⎜1 −
Puc ⋅ S .F . ⎞
500 ⋅ Ag ⎟⎠
⎟ ( )
f ' c ( Ae ) [ACI 318-08, 11.2.2.3]
⎝

RLF = Reinforcement Load Factor

Puc = Uplift Load at Cross Section (lbs)

Shear Strength of Concrete, φVc

φ ⋅ Vc = φ ⋅ 2 ⋅ ( )
f ' c ( Ae ) [ACI 318-08, 11.2.1.1]

φ Vc will be taken as the minimum of the three values above.

Rev. 0 5-5
Drilled Shaft Design Manual Shear Reinforcement Design

Cell [4.D & 4.G] Maximum Column Zone Shear Reinforcement Spacing in Compression or
Uplift, S

When Vu > φ Vc:

φ ⋅ ( Av)( fy )( He) ( Av)( fy )

; limited to [ACI 318-08, 11-15]
Vs 50( He)

When φ Vcc > Vu > φ Vc/2:

[ACI 318-08, 7.10.5.2] Minimum of: 16 × db (S1)

48 × dShear Ties

[ACI 318-08, 11.4.5.3] For Vsu > 4 f ' c ⋅ Ae

Minimum of: Dc/4 (S2)
12”

For Vsu < 4 f ' c ⋅ Ae

Minimum of: Dc/2
24”

( Av)( fy )
[ACI 318-08, 11.5.5.3] (S3)
50( He)

Vu
Where, Vs = , but shall be limited to
φ
8 f ' c ⋅ Ae [ACI 318-08, 11.4.7.9]

Vu = Maximum internal shear in comp or uplift

Vc = Shear strength of concrete in comp or uplift

When Vu < φ Vc/2:

Minimum of S1 & S3.

Cell [4.H] Shear Tie Spacing in Column Zone, Smax

In design, the user has the option to either input the Column Zone shear tie
spacing or use the calculated shear tie spacing in the spreadsheet. This spacing
will be calculated as the following:

• Minimum value of Sc & Su.

For stability during construction, maximum spacing shall be 18”.

*****

Rev. 0 5-6
Drilled Shaft Design Manual Drilled Shaft Design Requirements

6.0 DRILLED SHAFT DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

Lap Splices
Longitudinal and shear reinforcement shall meet minimum lap splice requirements as specified in Chapter
12 of the ACI Code. Reinforcing bars that are bundled have increased lap splice requirements per ACI
12.4 and must be accounted for. The summary sheet of the drilled shaft spreadsheet provides the lap
splice length for the design shear tie.
[ACI 12.15.1] Class B: 1.3 ⋅ l d

Development Length Requirements

To provide adequate load transfer between the longitudinal reinforcement and anchor bolts a minimum
development length of the longitudinal reinforcement is required. The development length shall extend
beyond the predicted anchor bolt group failure plane as shown in Figure 6-1. The required development
length of reinforcement will be determined according to Chapter 12 of the ACI Code. The development
length is checked on the Load Input page for the preliminary shaft diameter and on Summary page for
final shaft diameter.

⎛ ⎞
⎜ ⎟
⎜ 3 fy ψ tψ eψ s ⎟
[ACI 12.2.3] ld = ⎜ ⎟d b
⎜ 40 λ f ' c ⎛ cb + K tr ⎞ ⎟
⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎜ ⎟
⎝ ⎝ db ⎠ ⎠
Figure 6-1: Minimum Required Longitudinal Reinforcement Development Length

Rev. 0 6-1
Drilled Shaft Design Manual Drilled Shaft Design Requirements

Reinforcement Development for Rock Sockets

When drilled shaft foundations will be designed into a rock socket, the longitudinal reinforcement must
be effectively developed beyond the start of the rock socket in order to transfer the load to the rock.
However, this is only necessary if the geotechnical design is relying on the rock socket depth for resisting
the foundation loads. The Summary page of the drilled shaft spreadsheet verifies the shaft dimensions will
sufficiently develop the longitudinal reinforcement. If the reinforcement is not sufficiently developed, the
rock socket length will need to be increased or the longitudinal reinforcement size will need to be
reduced.

Figure 6-2: Drilled Shaft Summary Page (Sheet 6)

Reinforcement Development Reduction

According to ACI 12.2.5, a reduction to the required development length can be decreased by a reduction
factor of As required/As provided when the reinforcement of the drilled shaft is in excess of that required
by analysis.

Rev. 0 6-2
APPENDIX A
Drilled Shaft Design Manual Appendix A.1

APPENDIX A.1 - COLUMN INTERACTION DIAGRAMS

Rev. 0 7
Drilled Shaft Design Manual Appendix A.2

APPENDIX A.2 – DRILLED SHAFT SPREADSHEET

Rev. 0 8
 DRILLED SHAFT DESIGN - Loads & Minimum Shaft Diameter
VERSION: 01/03/2011

Notes:
CLIENT: NAME Anchor bolt spacing:
PROJECT NUMBER: NUMBER 2(A) = "Horizontal" distance between bolt centerlines.
DATE: 01/05/11 2(B) = "Vertical" distance between bolt centerlines.
TIME: 3:42 PM C = "Diagonal" distance between bolt centerlines.
Clearances:
DESIGNED BY: NAME CL1 = Clearance between anchor bolt and vertical rebar.
CHECKED BY: CL2 = Clearance between tie and outside edge of concrete.

Shaded area indicates user input.

LOADS AT TOP OF FOUNDATION MINIMUM SHAFT DIAMETER

Unfactored Unfactored Anchor Bolt Information Assumed Rebar Diameters & Clearances Calculated Assumed ANCHOR BOLT
Unfactored Shear Moment Unfactored Anchor Bolt Minimum Minimum EMBEDMENT
FOUNDATION DESIGNATION Axial (KIPS) (KIP-FT) Uplift Diameter, D A B C Embed Vert. Bar Ties CL1 CL2 Shaft Dia. Shaft Dia. LENGTH
(KIPS) Vx Vy Vxy Mx My Mxy (KIPS) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) CHECK
example 177.9 19.2 19.2 791.0 791.0 132.4 2.257 6.0 6.0 17.0 60 1.270 0.625 4.880 3.000 39 60 OK

Drilled Shaft Calculations_01_03_11.XLS Load Input Page 1 of 6 1/5/2011 3:42 PM

 DRILLED SHAFT DESIGN - Request For Drilled Shaft Design Information
VERSION: 01/03/2011

Designed By:
CLIENT: NAME Structural Engineer: NAME Date: 1/1/2000 THIS AREA IS AVAILABLE FOR NOTES. IF NO NOTES ARE REQUIRED, PLEASE
PROJECT NUMBER: NUMBER Geotechnical Engr: NAME Date: 1/1/2000
DATE: 01/05/11 Checked By: DELETE THIS NOTE.
TIME: 3:42 PM Structural Engineer: Date:
Geotechnical Engr: NAME Date: 1/1/2000
Design Parameters:
Max. Allowable Lateral Deflection 2 in.
Max. Allowable Rotation at T.O.C. 1.5 Deg. Factor of Safety (Soil in Compression) 2.0
Concrete Compressive Strength 4,000 psi Factor of Safety (Soil in Uplift) 1.5
Rebar Yield Strength 60,000 psi
Ground Water Depth Below Subgrade ft.
Note: "Total Shaft Length" = Total Embedment plus Reveal plus Crushed Rock.
APPLIED ULTIMATE LOADS TOTAL LATERAL
Load Factor = 1.10 SHAFT DIAMETER % LONG. REINF. EMBEDMENT SHAFT DEFLECTION ROTATION INTERNAL MOMENT INTERNAL SHEAR
FOUNDATION DESIGNATION BEARING SHEAR MOMENT UPLIFT MINIMUM FINAL ROCK Rock TOTAL REVEAL LENGTH AT T.O.C. AT T.O.C. MAX. DEPTH COLUMN DEPTH TRANSFER DEPTH COMMENTS
Socket
(KIPS) (KIPS) (FT.-KIPS) (KIPS) (IN) (IN) MINIMUM FINAL (FT) Required (FT) (IN) (FT) (IN) (DEGREES) (FT-KIPS) (FT) (KIPS) (FT) (KIPS) (FT)

example 195.7 21.1 870 132.4 60 60 0.75 0.75 0 no 22 18 23.50 1.88 0.63 1017 7.5 127 19 127 19

Drilled Shaft Calculations_01_03_11.XLS Geotech Info Page 2 of 6 1/5/2011 3:42 PM

 DRILLED SHAFT DESIGN - Longitudinal Steel
VERSION: 01/03/2011

CLIENT: NAME
PROJECT NUMBER: NUMBER Notes:
DATE: 01/05/11 This spreadsheet assumes a 3" concrete cover between tie and outside edge of concrete.
TIME: 3:42 PM
The "assumed" longitudinal and shear tie bar diameters are used in the calculations
DESIGNED BY: NAME of RATIO and AVG. DIA.
CHECKED BY: It may be necessary to go through iterations or assume the largest bar diameter

Concrete Compressive Strength: 4,000 psi * Adjacent to As indicates uplift controls longitudinal steel design
Rebar Yield Strength: 60,000 psi
Phi 0.70 Shaded area indicates user input.
Minimum Bar Clear Spacing 3.8500 in.

MAX. COMPRESSION LOADS MAX. UPLIFT LOADS LONGIT. NUMBER SHEAR TIE REBAR CLR SPACING
SHAFT INTERN UNCRACKED INTERN UNCRACKED REINFORCEMENT Ag D
Dc RATIO P
Pn M
Mn RATIO AVG.
AVG As BAR & SIZE BETWEEN
FOUNDATION DESIGNATION DIA. AXIAL SHEAR MOMENT AXIAL SHEAR MOMENT LOAD (IN2) (IN) Dc/SHAFT DIA F'c*Ag F'c*Ag*DIA REBAR AREA/ DIA. (IN2) DIA. OF LONG. DIAMETER SIZE LONG. BARS BUNDLE?
(IN) (KIPS) (KIPS) (FT-K) (KIPS) (KIPS) (FT-K) FACTOR (KSI) (KSI) CONC AREA (IN) (IN) REBAR (IN) (#) (IN)

example 60 196 127 1,017 132 127 1,017 1.50 2827 51.5 0.858 0.037 0.039 0.0075 41.2 32.69 * 1.270 26 -# 10 0.625 5 4.95

Drilled Shaft Calculations_01_03_11.XLS Longitudinal Steel Page 3 of 6 1/5/2011 3:42 PM

 DRILLED SHAFT DESIGN - Shear Ties
VERSION: 01/03/2011

CLIENT: NAME
PROJECT NUMBER: NUMBER Notes:
DATE: 01/05/11 This spreadsheet assumes a 3" concrete cover between tie and outside edge of concrete.
TIME: 3:42 PM
Shaded area indicates user input.
DESIGNED BY: NAME
CHECKED BY:

Concrete Compressive Strength: 4,000 psi

Rebar Yield Strength: 60,000 psi

COLUMN ZONE TRANSFER ZONE

INTERNAL SHEAR LONGIT. SHEAR TIE TIE
SHAFT AXIAL LOADS COLUMN FACTOR BAR TIE BAR PHI CALC PHI CALC SPACING CALC SPACING
FOUNDATION DESIGNATION DIA. COMP. UPLIFT COMP. UPLIFT TRANSFER OF DIA. DIA Av Dc He Ag Ae Vuc Vcc Sc Vuu Vcu Su USED Vu S USED
2
(IN) (KIPS) (KIPS) (KIPS) (KIPS) (KIPS) SAFETY (IN) (IN) 2
(IN ) (IN) (IN) (IN ) (IN2) (LBS) (LBS) (IN) (LBS) (LBS) (IN) (IN) (LBS) (IN) (IN)

example 60 196 132 127 127 127 1.50 1.270 0.625 0.61 51.48 60.00 2827.43 2827.43 190500 282157 12.9 190500 230552 12.9 12.0 190500 8.7 6.0

Drilled Shaft Calculations_01_03_11.XLS Shear Ties Page 4 of 6 1/5/2011 3:42 PM

 DRILLED SHAFT DESIGN - Quantities
VERSION: 01/03/2011

Notes:
CLIENT: NAME Reinforcing Bar Weight = 490 LB/CUFT
PROJECT NUMBER: NUMBER
DATE: 01/05/11 Shaded area indicates user input.
TIME: 3:42 PM

DESIGNED BY: NAME

CHECKED BY:

Concrete Compressive Strength: 4000

Rebar Yield Strength: 60,000
B Indicates Double Bundled Bars
T Indicates Triple Bundled Bars

NUMBER LONGIT. SHEAR TIE SPACING (IN) TRANSFER ZONE NUMBER SINGLE REBAR WEIGHT PER SHAFT
SHAFT & SIZE OF BAR TIE SHAFT LENGTH TRANSFER NUMBER TIE CONCRETE LONGIT.
FOUNDATION DESIGNATION DIA. Dc LONGITUDINAL DIA DIA TRANSFER COLUMN LENGTH MINIMUM DESIGN ZONE COLUMN WEIGHT VOLUME BAR TIES TOTAL
(IN) (IN) REBAR (IN) (IN) ZONE ZONE (FT) (FT) (FT) TIES TIES (LBS) (YD^3) (LBS) (LBS) (LBS)
example 60 51.5 26 26 - # 10 1.270 0.625 6 12 23.5 6.8 7.3 15 15 16.3 17.1 2578 489 3066

Drilled Shaft Calculations_01_03_11.XLS Quantities Page 5 of 6 1/5/2011 3:42 PM

 DRILLED SHAFT DESIGN - Summary
VERSION: 01/03/2011

CLIENT: NAME
PROJECT NUMBER: NUMBER THIS AREA IS AVAILABLE FOR NOTES. IF NO NOTES ARE REQUIRED,
DATE: 01/05/11
TIME: 3:42 PM PLEASE DELETE THIS NOTE.

NAME

Reinforcing Bar Weight = 490 LB/CUFT

* Includes Reveal

* NUMBER ANCHOR BOLT ROCK SOCKET

SHAFT FDN & SIZE OF SHEAR TIE CONC REBAR EMBEDMENT DEVELOPMENT
FOUNDATION DESIGNATION DIA. LENGTH LONGITUDINAL SHEAR TIES SHEAR TIES LAP SPLICE VOL WT LENGTH LENGTH
(IN) (FT) REBAR TRANSFER ZONE COLUMN ZONE (IN) 3 (LBS) CHECK CHECK COMMENTS
(YD )
example 60 18.0 26 - # 10 15 - # 5 @ 6" 15 - # 5 @ 12 " 19 17.1 3,066 OK OK

Drilled Shaft Calculations_01_03_11.XLS Summary Page 6 of 6 1/5/2011 3:42 PM