Validation of ASCE 41‐13 Modeling Parameters and Acceptance Criteria for Rocking Shallow Foundations

Abstract

The standard ASCE 41‐13 Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings includes new provisions for linear and non‐linear modeling parameters and acceptance criteria for rocking shallow foundations. The new modeling parameters and acceptance criteria were largely based on model tests on rectangular rocking foundations with a limited range of footing length to width ratio (L/B). New model test results are presented, including a systematic variation of L/B and also non‐rectangular (I‐shaped) footings. This new data along with previously published results are presented to validate the trilinear modeling parameters and acceptance criteria of ASCE 41‐13. This paper investigates the effects of footing shape on the residual settlement, residual uplift, rocking stiffness, and re‐centering. Overall, the new data supports the provisions of ASCE 41‐13; however, the acceptance limits for rocking rotation of I‐shaped footings could be reduced to produce performance consistent with the acceptance limits for rectangular footings.