Description

B1 Structure Verification Method B1/VM2 Second Edition is used for geotechnical design of foundations.

This verification method outlines procedures for ultimate limit state design of shallow and pile foundations, including bearing and sliding resistance.

The second edition includes references to the Building Product Specifications for timber piles and has to been published in a standalone form. The second edition has a revised layout, clearer structure, and updated definitions and references.

It includes an appendix for site investigation and foundation settlement but these are informative only.

Scope

The scope of the verification method B1/VM2 covers geotechnical engineering design. It can be used for the:

• a) the ultimate limit state design of foundations, including those of earth retaining structures; and 
• b) the ultimate bearing and lateral sliding strengths.

Items outside the scope of this document:

• does not describe a means of determining the value of the soil parameters used in the verification method (such as c', φ', and su). The derivation of these parameters, which must be based on the most adverse moisture and groundwater conditions likely to occur, is outside of the scope of this verification method.
• Serviceability limit state deformations are not covered in this document. The determination of such deformations and their acceptability to the design in question needs to be considered but is outside the scope of this document.
• This document assumes general ground or slope stability and provides methods only for ensuring against local failure of the foundation. Overall ground stability needs to be verified before this document can be applied; this is outside the scope of this verification method.
• This document must not be used to design foundations on loose sands, saturated dense sands or on cohesive soils having a sensitivity greater than 4.
• This document shall not be used for foundations subject to continuous vibration.