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IBC Chapter 18 — Soils and Foundations

Updated Mar 26, 2026
Geotechnical investigation, bearing capacity, shallow and deep foundations, retaining walls.

IBC Ch18: geotech report required >1 story. Presumptive bearing: clay 1,500 psf, sand 2,000 psf, gravel 4,000 psf, rock 12,000 psf. Shallow: spread footings per ACI 318, below frost line. Deep: driven piles, drilled shafts, micropiles, helical. Lateral earth pressure and retaining wall design.

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IBCfoundationgeotechnicalpilesbearing-capacitysoil
DETAILS
code year
2024
code section
Chapter 18
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