Value Engineering, Advanced Design Practices, and Alternate Means and Methods Applications that Lead to Significant Cost Savings for the Seismic Design of Deep Foundations-Video

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The presentation critiques building codes for being overly prescriptive and applying inconsistent seismic requirements to different deep-foundation systems. Dr. Mays argues for performance-based design, noting that research can lead to unnecessarily conservative rules for one pile type while comparable systems face fewer restrictions. He highlights three opportunities: value engineering through foundation substitutions, advanced modeling of the structure–pile system, and code-approved alternative methods supported by calculations and references.<br /><br />Geotechnical consultant Ryan Kuyper emphasizes collaboration among engineers, contractors, and owners to improve cost and schedule outcomes. Examples include underpinning a historic Charleston building with low-vibration piles, refining seismic hazards and liquefaction assessments, and replacing expensive lightweight embankment fill with aggregate piers. He also discusses ground improvement and rigid inclusions as economical alternatives to deep foundations, while noting that guidance for these methods remains inconsistent.

Keywords

performance-based design

building codes

seismic requirements

deep foundations

ground improvement

value engineering