ICC-ES AC443

Full Name

ICC-ES AC443 – Acceptance Criteria for Screw Foundation Systems (SFS)

Scope

ICC-ES AC443 establishes the acceptance criteria for Screw Foundation Systems (SFS) where the shafts are round hollow structural sections. It provides guidelines for evaluating the allowable load and deformation capacities of these systems, ensuring their structural integrity and performance in various soil conditions.

The scope of AC443 includes:

  • Materials: specifies the requirements for the materials used in SFS components, including steel grades, coatings, and corrosion protection.
  • Design and construction: outlines the design principles and construction requirements for SFS, covering aspects like shaft dimensions, helix configurations, and connection details.
  • Performance requirements: establishes minimum performance criteria for axial and lateral load capacities, as well as allowable deformations under different loading conditions.
  • Testing procedures: details the testing methods used to verify the performance of SFS, including axial compression and tension tests, lateral load tests, and cyclic loading tests.
  • Installation guidelines: provides recommendations for proper installation procedures to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of SFS.

The scope of AC443 does not include:

  • Other foundation systems: the criteria are specifically for screw foundation systems with round hollow structural section shafts and do not cover other types of foundations like driven piles or drilled shafts.
  • Geotechnical considerations: while AC443 addresses the structural aspects of SFS, it does not provide specific guidance on geotechnical investigations or soil-structure interaction analysis, which are typically conducted separately.

By adhering to AC443, manufacturers and installers can ensure that screw foundation systems meet the necessary performance and safety requirements for their intended applications.

Resources

Keywords

acceptance criteria; screw foundation systems; sfs; round hollow structural sections; load capacity; deformation capacity; axial load; lateral load; steel grades; coatings; corrosion protection; helix configuration; connection details; axial compression test; axial tension test; lateral load test; cyclic loading test; installation procedures