EXAMPLE 10 - SIGN STRUCTURE FOUNDATION DESIGN 1

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EXAMPLE 10 - SIGN STRUCTURE FOUNDATION DESIGN

GENERAL INFORMATION
Example Statement: Example 10 demonstrates a design procedure for a drilled shaft foundation for a
cantilever sign structure. The cantilever supports a sign panel attached to the horizontal support. The
example is only for the design of the shaft foundation. It does not discuss cover design of the members
and attachment.

The design follows the LRFD Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and
Traffic Signals, First Edition 2015, with 2017 updates (AASHTO LTS), with references to AASHTO LRFD
Bridge Design Specifications, 8th Edition (AASHTO). Example 10 was designed with a geotechnical
investigation performed on the soil. If one does not have geotechnical data, it is CDOT's preference to
use the Brom's method in Section 13 of the AASHTO LTS to determine shaft embedment.

MATERIAL PROPERTIES
Concrete: CDOT Concrete Class BZ
Concrete Compressive Strength f'c = 4 ksi
Concrete Unit Weight γc = 150 pcf

Steel: Reinforcing Steel

Grade 60 Reinforcing Steel fy = 60 ksi

Steel: Steel Members

Steel Density γsteel = 490 pcf

Aluminum: Sign Panels

Aluminum Density γaluminum = 175 pcf

SIGN STRUCTURE GEOMETRY INFORMATION (Refer to Figure 1)

Pole Length Lpole = 22.00 ft.
Pole Base Diameter (outside diameter, o.d.) øpole-B = 15.50 in.
Pole Top Diameter (o.d.) øpole-T = 12.50 in.
Pole Wall Thickness tpole = 0.1875 in.
Depth to Arm Darm = 1.50 ft.
Arm Length Larm = 16.00 ft.
Arm Base Diameter (o.d.) øarm-B = 10.00 in.
Arm End Diameter (o.d.) øarm-E = 6.25 in.
Arm Wall Thickness tarm = 0.1875 in.
Shaft Depth Dshaft = 13.00 ft.
Shaft Diameter øshaft = 36 in.
Number of Sign Panels 1

CDOT Bridge Design Manual January 2018

EXAMPLE 10 - SIGN STRUCTURE FOUNDATION DESIGN 2
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Larm = 16 ft
øpole-T = 12.5 in
esp = 11 ft

Darm = 1.5 ft Sign Hsp = 6 ft

Panel

Lsp = 8 ft

Lpole = 22 ft øarm-E = 6.25 in

øarm-B = 10 in
Y

øpole-B = 15.5 in X
Z
Existing Ground

Dshaft = 13 ft
øshaft = 36 in

Figure 1 - Sign Structure Geometry Information

SIGN PANEL GEOMETRY INFORMATION

Length Height esp Area
Sign Panel 1 8.00 ft. 6.00 ft. 11.00 ft. 48.00 ft.2

1. LOAD CALCULATION
Use the load combinations and factors from AASHTO LTS T3.4-1 for all loads acting on the sign
structure. Determine the loads at the top of the shaft foundation:

APPLIED LOADS AASHTO LTS 3

(Other loads not listed here may be applicable for different design cases.)
DC - dead load of structural components and nonstructural attachments
LL - live load is considered for designing members for walkways and service platforms
ICE - ice and wind on ice do not practically control and have been removed from the specifications
W - wind load is based on the pressure of the wind acting horizontally on all components

CDOT Bridge Design Manual January 2018

EXAMPLE 10 - SIGN STRUCTURE FOUNDATION DESIGN 3
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Dead Loads (DC) AASHTO LTS 3.5

*Weight is based on the typical weight of steel and aluminum

Pole Weight DC1 = 0.61 kip

Arm Weight DC2 = 0.25 kip
Sign Weight DC3 = 0.15 kip *Assumed 7/32" Sign Thickness

Misc. Weight (Anchors and Sign Support) DC4 = 0.08 kip *Assumed to be 50% of Sign Weight

Live Loads (LL) AASHTO LTS 3.6

Is LL applicable? no

Ice Loads (ICE) AASHTO LTS 3.7

Is ICE applicable? no

Wind Loads (W) AASHTO LTS 3.8

Mean Recurrence Interval MRI = 1700 BDM 32.3.1.3

Basic Wind Speed V = 120.00 mph BDM 32.3.1.3
Height and Exposure Factor for Signs and Arm Kz = 0.90 AASHTO LTS Eq. 3.8.4-1
Height and Exposure Factor for Pole Kz = 0.86 AASHTO LTS Eq. 3.8.4-1
Directionality Factor Kd = 0.85 AASHTO LTS 3.8.5
Gust Effect Factor G= 1.14 AASHTO LTS 3.8.6
Velocity Conversion Factor - Ext Event Cv-Ext = 0.80 AASHTO LTS 3.8.7
Cv V d = Cv V øpole-avg = 112.00
Velocity Conversion Factor Cv = 1.00 AASHTO LTS 3.8.7
Cv V d = Cv V øpole-avg = 140.00
Drag Coefficient for Members Cd-members = 0.45 AASHTO LTS 3.8.7
Drag Coefficient for Sign Panels Cd-sp = 1.19 *rounded up AASHTO LTS 3.8.7
Wind Pressure on Members
𝑃 0.00256 𝐾 𝐾 𝐺𝑉 𝐶 = 14.50 psf AASHTO LTS Eq. 3.8.1-1
Wind Pressure on Sign Panels
𝑃 0.00256 𝐾 𝐾 𝐺𝑉 𝐶 = 38.35 psf AASHTO LTS Eq. 3.8.1-1
2
Pole Surface Area (along x axis) A1x = 25.67 ft.
Pole Surface Area (along z axis) A1z = 25.67 ft.2
Arm Surface Area (along x axis) A2x = 10.83 ft.2
Sign Panels Surface Area (along x axis) A3x = 48.00 ft.2
Wind Load (x-direction) 𝑊 Σ𝐴 ∗ 𝑃 = W x = 0.37 kip = A1z * Pz-members
Wind Load on Signs (z-direction) W z-sign = 1.84 kip = A3x * Pz-sign panels
Wind Load on Arm (z-direction) W z-arm = 0.16 kip = A2x * Pz-members
Wind Load on Pole (z-direction) W z-pole = 0.37 kip = A1x * Pz-members

CDOT Bridge Design Manual January 2018

EXAMPLE 10 - SIGN STRUCTURE FOUNDATION DESIGN 4
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UNFACTORED LOADS AND MOMENTS AT TOP OF SHAFT

Moments taken about the centerline of the shaft
Moment at
Load Moment
Moment the Top of
Load Description Direction Load (kip) Direction
Arm (ft.) the Caisson
(x,y,z) (x,y,z)
(kip-ft.)
DC1 Pole Weight Y 0.61 0.00 Z 0.00
DC2 Arm Weight Y 0.25 4.31 Z 1.10
DC3 Sign Weight Y 0.15 11.00 Z 1.68
DC4 Misc. Weight Y 0.08 11.00 Z 0.84
LL Live Load Y 0.00 0.00 Z 0.00
W x-pole Wind on Pole X 0.37 6.73 Z 2.51
Wind on Signs
W z-sign/arm Z 2.00 20.50 X 40.95
& Arm
W z-sign Wind on Signs Z 1.84 11.00 Y 20.25
W z-arm Wind on Arm Z 0.16 4.31 Y 0.68
W z-pole Wind on Pole Z 0.37 11.00 X 4.09

LOAD COMBINATIONS AASHTO LTS T3.4-1

Load Combination γDC γLL γW Application

Strength I 1.25 1.60 - Gravity
Extreme Ia 1.10 - 1.00 Wind max
Extreme Ib 0.90 - 1.00 Wind min
Service I 1.00 - 1.00 Translation

SUMMARY OF FACTORED LOADS AND MOMENTS AT TOP OF SHAFT

Moments taken about the centerline of the shaft
𝑈 𝛾 𝐷𝐶 𝛾 𝐿𝐿 𝛾 𝑊
Load Axial Moment about Moment about Moment about Shear in the Shear in the
Combination (kip) x-axis (kip-ft.) y-axis* (kip-ft.) z-axis (kip-ft.) x-axis (kip) z-axis (kip)
Strength I 1.37 - - 4.53 - -
Extreme Ia 1.20 45.05 20.92 6.49 0.37 2.37
Extreme Ib 0.98 45.05 20.92 5.77 0.37 2.37
Service I 1.09 45.05 20.92 6.13 0.37 2.37
*My to be used for torsion calculation

CDOT Bridge Design Manual January 2018

EXAMPLE 10 - SIGN STRUCTURE FOUNDATION DESIGN 5
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2. SHAFT CAPACITY
Run static L-PILE analysis with parameters from geotechnical report and calculated factored loads.

L-PILE INPUT

Soil Properties
*From Geotechnical Report

Top of Boring Elevation Elboring top = 5297.00

Bottom of Boring Elevation Elboring bot = 5270.00
Top of Shaft Elevation Elcaisson top = 5297.50
Bottom of Shaft Elevation Elcaisson bot = 5284.50

Friction
Top of Unit Weight Cohesion
Soil Type Angle Ɛ50 k (pci)
Soil Elev. (pcf) (psf)
(degrees)
5297.00 Stiff Clay w/o free water using k 120.00 0.00 2000.00 0.006 500.00
5290.00 Stiff Clay w/o free water using k 130.00 0.00 2500.00 0.005 1000.00

Shaft Section Properties

Section Round Concrete Shaft

Length of Section Dshaft = 13.00 ft.
Length of Section in Bedrock Drock = 5.50 ft.
Section Diameter øshaft = 36 in.
Longitudinal Rebar Size # 8
Longitudinal Rebar Count 13
Concrete Cover to Inside Edge of Stirrup Bar 3.625 in. BDM 5.4.3
Stirrup Size # 5
Stirrup Spacing 12 in.

INPUT LOADS
L-Pile models in only one plane, therefore:
Shear in the X Direction is paired with Moment in the Z Direction
Shear in the Z Direction is paired with Moment in the X Direction
Pile-Head Loading Moment
Load Case Shear (lb) Axial (lb)
Condition (lb-in)
1 1 0 54,347 1,367
2 1 372 77,892 1,203
3 1 2,370 540,557 1,203
4 1 372 69,196 984
5 1 2,370 540,557 984
6 1 372 73,544 1,093
7 1 2,370 540,557 1,093

CDOT Bridge Design Manual January 2018

EXAMPLE 10 - SIGN STRUCTURE FOUNDATION DESIGN 6
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L-PILE OUTPUT
*Agg size assumed to be 0.75"

Reinforcement 13 #8
Clear Distance Between Bars 5.64 in.
Spacing Check for Min Spacing >
Min Clear Allowed, Max(1.5db, 1.5*Agg Size, 1.5") = 1.50 in. AASHTO 5.10.3.1.1
Min Clear Allowed, Max(5*Agg Size, 5") = 5.00 in. AASHTO 5.12.9.5.2
Area of Steel 10.27 in.2
Percentage of Steel 1.01%
>
0.80% AASHTO 5.12.9.5.2

Maximum Pile-Head Deflection 0.0043 in.

Maximum Shear Force 7,261 lbs
Maximum Bending Moment 567,170 lb-in
Axial Thrust at Max Moment Case 1,203 lbs

Lateral Pile Deflection (in.) vs

Depth (ft.)
The maximum deflection, at the
top of the caisson is 0.0043",
which is considered zero;
therefore, the shaft is deemed
stable for the length used per the
Engineer's judgment.

CDOT Bridge Design Manual January 2018

EXAMPLE 10 - SIGN STRUCTURE FOUNDATION DESIGN 7
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Bending Moment (in-kip) vs

Depth (ft.)
The maximum factored moment
is less than the maximum
resistance moment. The shaft is
considered stable per the
reinforcement and size.

CDOT Bridge Design Manual January 2018

EXAMPLE 10 - SIGN STRUCTURE FOUNDATION DESIGN 8
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Shear Force (kips) vs

Depth (ft.)

CDOT Bridge Design Manual January 2018

EXAMPLE 10 - SIGN STRUCTURE FOUNDATION DESIGN 9
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AXIAL RESISTANCE

Unit End Bearing Resistance qp = 18.00 ksf Geotechnical Report

Unit Side Resistance qs = 1.00 ksf Geotechnical Report
End Bearing Factor ɸqp = 0.40 Geotechnical Report
Side Resistance Factor ɸqs = 0.45 Geotechnical Report
2
Shaft End Bearing Area 𝐴 𝜋𝑑 /4 = Ashaft = 7.07 ft.
Shaft Perimeter 𝑃 𝜋𝑑 = Pshaft = 9.42 ft.
Depth in Bedrock Drock = 5.50 ft.
End Bearing Resistance ɸqpqpAshaft = ɸqpRp = 50.89 kip AASHTO Eq. 10.8.3.5-2
Side Shear Resistance ɸqsqsPshaftDrock = ɸqsRs = 23.33 kip AASHTO Eq. 10.8.3.5-3
Ultimate Shaft Resistance 𝑅 𝜑𝑅 𝜑 𝑅 𝜑 𝑅 74.22 kip AASHTO Eq. 10.8.3.5-1

Applied Vertical Load 15.15 kip Fy max plus DL of shaft

<
74.22 kip
OK!

BENDING RESISTANCE
L-Pile provides Nominal Moment Resistance for each axial value.
The maximum factored applied moment from each L-Pile case with varying axial is compared to the
nominal moment resistance provided by L-Pile.
𝜑𝑀 𝑀 𝑀
ɸ= 0.75 AASHTO 5.5.4.2

Nominal Moment Ultimate Moment Factored Applied

Load Case Axial (lb) Resistance, ɸ Resistance, Moment, Mapplied Check
Mn (kip-in.) Mu (kip-in.) (kip-in.)
5 984 8,472.87 0.75 6,354.65 540.56 OK!
7 1,093 8,474.12 0.75 6,355.59 540.56 OK!
3 1,203 8,475.37 0.75 6,356.53 540.56 OK!
1 1,367 8,477.25 0.75 6,357.94 54.35 OK!

CDOT Bridge Design Manual January 2018

EXAMPLE 10 - SIGN STRUCTURE FOUNDATION DESIGN 10
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SHEAR AND TORSION RESISTANCE

*The side shear resistance of soil for torsion effects is checked at the end of this example.
Shear Force Vu = 7.26 kip
Torsion My = Tu = 20.92 k-ft.
Flexure Mu = 45.05 k-ft.
Tension Nu = 15.15 kip
Phi for Shear and Torsion ɸ = 0.90 AASHTO 5.5.4.2

Concrete Cover to Reinforcing & Bar Size:

Side Cover clr = 3.00 in.
Stirrup Bar Diameter dstirrup = 0.63 in.

Nominal Resistance Mn = 706.07 k-ft. L-Pile Output

Area of Flexural Reinforcement Af = 5.14 in.2 Half of the reinforcement in shaft
3
Dia of Circle Passing Through Long. Reinf Dr = 27.75 in.
Depth to Flexural Reinforcement ds = 26.83 in. = Dshaft/2 + Dr/π

Torsional Cracking Moment AASHTO 5.7.2.1

2
Area of Concrete Perimeter Acp = 1,018 in.
Concrete Perimeter pc = 113.10 in.
Compressive Stress at Centroid of Section fpc = 0.00 ksi
𝐴 AASHTO Eq.5.7.2.1-4
𝑇 0.126𝐾λ 𝑓
𝑝
𝑓
𝐾 1 2.0 AASHTO Eq.5.7.2.1-6
0.126λ 𝑓

K= 1.00
Torsional Cracking Moment Tcr = 2,308.54 k-in.
0.25φTcr = 519.42 k-in.
> AASHTO Eq. 5.7.2.1-3
Tu = 251.08 k-in.
Torsional effects can be neglected

Design Factored Shear Force Vu = 7.26 kip

Shear Stress on Concrete AASHTO 5.7.2.8

𝑀
𝐴 𝑓
Effective Shear Depth dv = max of
0.9 ∗ 𝑑
0.72 ∗ ℎ
Mn / Asfy = 27.50 in. Maximum
0.9*ds = 24.15 in.
0.72*h = 25.92 in.

dv = 27.50 in.

CDOT Bridge Design Manual January 2018

EXAMPLE 10 - SIGN STRUCTURE FOUNDATION DESIGN 11
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Shear Stress 𝑣 ɸ
= vu = 0.0081 ksi AASHTO Eq. 5.7.2.8-1

Transverse Reinforcement
Transverse Reinforcement is required where: Vu > 0.5φVc AASHTO Eq. 5.7.2.3-1
Vu = 7.26 kip
<
0.5φVc = 115.15 kip
Transverse reinforcement not necessary

𝑏 𝑠
Minimum Transverse Reinforcement Av, min ≥ 0.0316λ 𝑓′ AASHTO Eq. 5.7.2.5-1
𝑓
Av, min ≥ 0.46 in.2
<
Av, prov'd = 0.62 in.2
OK!

Maximum Spacing of Transverse Reinforcement AASHTO 5.7.2.6

vu = 0.008 ksi
<
0.125f'c = 0.500 ksi
If vu < 0.125f'c, then: 𝑠 0.8𝑑 24.0 AASHTO Eq. 5.7.2.6-1
If vu ≥ 0.125f'c, then: 𝑠 0.4𝑑 12.0 AASHTO Eq. 5.7.2.6-2

smax = 22.00 in.

>
sv, prov'd = 12.00 in.2
OK!

Maximum Nominal Shear Resistance AASHTO 5.7.3.3

Nominal Shear Resistance 0.25*f'c*bv*dv = Vn = 990.01 kip AASHTO Eq. 5.7.3.3-2

ɸVn = 891.01 kip
>
Vu = 7.26 kip
OK!

𝑀
0.5𝑁 𝑉
𝑑 AASHTO Eq. 5.7.3.4.2-4
𝜀
𝐸𝐴

Net Longitudinal Tensile Strain εs = 0.0002

CDOT Bridge Design Manual January 2018

EXAMPLE 10 - SIGN STRUCTURE FOUNDATION DESIGN 12
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For sections containing at least the minimum amount of transverse reinforcement specified in Art.
5.7.2.5, the value of β may be determined by the following equation:
4.8
𝛽
1 750𝜀 AASHTO Eq. 5.7.3.4.2-1
β= 4.09
θ= 29.81 AASHTO Eq. 5.7.3.4.2-3

Nominal Shear Resistance of Concrete 𝑉 0.0316𝛽λ 𝑓 𝑏 𝑑 AASHTO Eq. 5.7.3.3-3

Vc = 255.88 kip
>
Vu = 7.26 kip
OK!

Side Shear Resistance of Soil in Torsion

Per CDOT's experience, the soil torsion capacity may control the shaft length. If the drilled shaft sees
torsion, the following applicable checks should be completed. Refer to Report No. CDOT-DTD-R-
2004-8 for equations and procedure.

Cohesive Soil Resistance

It is CDOT's approach that the soil resistance to torsion in cohesive soils is based on the drilled shaft
embedment area into the soil, neglecting the top 1.5' of section length. Perform the following check if
the drilled shaft is in cohesive soil.

Torsion Tu = 20.92 k-ft.

Soil profile used for example cohesion, su = 2000 psf
Assumed Phi for Torsion, per SF = 1.25 ɸ = 0.80
Section Diameter øshaft = 36 in
Length of Section Dshaft = 13.00 ft.

𝜋·∅
Drilled shaft side resistance 𝑇 𝐷 1.5∅ ·𝑠 Tu
2
𝜋·∅
Drilled shaft toe resistance 𝑇 𝑠
12
1.5∅shaft
Ts = 240.33 k-ft.
Tt = 14.14 k-ft.
Nominal Total Torsion Resistance 𝑇 𝑇 𝑇 254.47 k-ft. Dshaft
ɸTn = 203.58 k-ft.
>
Tu = 20.92 k-ft.
OK!

CDOT Bridge Design Manual January 2018

EXAMPLE 10 - SIGN STRUCTURE FOUNDATION DESIGN 13
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Cohesionless Soil Resistance

It is CDOT's approach that the soil resistance to torsion in cohesionless soils is based on the drilled
shaft embedment into the soil. Perform the following check if the drilled shaft is in cohesionless soil.

Torsion Tu = 20.92 k-ft.

Soil profile used for example unit weight, ᵞ = 120 pcf
Soil profile used for example friction angle, φ = 30.00 degrees
Assumed Phi for Torsion, per SF = 1.25 ɸ = 0.80
Section Diameter øshaft = 36.00 in
Length of Section Dshaft = 13.00 ft.
Weight of Section W= 13.78 kip

𝜋·∅ Tu
Drilled shaft side resistance 𝑇 𝐷 ·𝑟
2
∅
Drilled shaft toe resistance 𝑇 𝑊 · 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜑
3

2𝐷
Coefficient of lateral 𝐾 1 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜑 1.44
earth pressure 3∅

𝐷
Unit shaft side resistance 𝑟 𝐾𝛾 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜑 0.65 ksf
2

Ts = 119.55 k-ft.
Tt = 7.96 k-ft. KγDshaft
Nominal Total Torsion Resistance 𝑇 𝑇 𝑇 127.51 k-ft.
ɸTn = 102.00 k-ft.
>
Tu = 20.92 k-ft.
OK!

CDOT Bridge Design Manual January 2018