Quick answer
Foundation Design covers designing isolated, combined, mat and equipment foundations with anchor-bolt checks. Done properly, it follows AISC 360, ASCE 7, EN 1993 and produces analysis model & load combinations that a fabricator or reviewer can use without rework. Structural Engineering Services delivers foundation design to clients in 40+ countries with a senior-engineer review on every package.
The standards that govern foundation design
Foundation Design is governed by AISC 360, ASCE 7, EN 1993, IS 800, ACI 318. Which one leads depends on the project location and the owner's specification — a US refinery package and a European commercial building may need the same discipline executed to entirely different rules.
Beyond the headline code, most projects layer client specifications on top: operator standards (Shell DEPs, Saudi Aramco SAES, ADNOC), fabricator preferences and local authority requirements. A good foundation design partner maps all of them into a compliance matrix at kick-off.
How code compliance is demonstrated
Compliance is shown through documentation, not assertion. Your package should include:
- Design basis / basis-of-design note referencing the governing code and edition.
- Calculation reports with load combinations and acceptance criteria.
- Drawings flagged with the applicable code and material grades.
- A documented checker's review with sign-off.
- Revision-controlled transmittals so the latest code-compliant issue is unambiguous.
Common compliance mistakes
The most frequent compliance failures we see in foundation design are edition drift (working to a superseded code edition), mixing code systems mid-package, and missing project-specific overlays. Each is avoidable with a kick-off compliance matrix and a senior review gate.
Working across multiple jurisdictions
Global projects often need one package that satisfies several jurisdictions. We deliver foundation design to AISC 360 and ASCE 7 routinely and maintain checklists for each, so multi-code packages are reviewed against every governing standard, not just the primary one.
Foundation Design Codes & Standards Explained: FAQ
Which code applies to foundation design?
Foundation Design covers designing isolated, combined, mat and equipment foundations with anchor-bolt checks. Done properly, it follows AISC 360, ASCE 7, EN 1993 and produces analysis model & load combinations that a fabricator or reviewer can use without rework. Structural Engineering Services delivers foundation design to clients in 40+ countries with a senior-engineer review on every package.
Which software is used for foundation design?
We deliver on licensed STAAD.Pro, RAM Connection, Foundation Advanced and issue native files plus PDF, DWG and IFC on request.
Which standards do you follow for foundation design?
We work to AISC 360, ASCE 7, EN 1993, IS 800, ACI 318, plus client specifications such as Shell DEPs and major operator standards.
How long does a foundation design package take?
Small packages are typically delivered in 3–7 working days; larger scopes are split into phased submissions agreed at kick-off.
How do I get a quote for foundation design?
Send your drawings or scope through our quote form — a senior engineer reviews them and returns a fixed-price proposal within 24 hours, free and without obligation.