View Important Policies and System Requirements for this course.

This webinar was co-sponsored by ASCE's Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) and ASCE Continuing Education

Instructor:  James A. D'Aloisio, P.E., SECB, LEED AP

Course Length: 1 Hour

Purpose and Background

A frost-protected shallow foundation system (FPSF) is an alternative to extending footings below the frost line to avoid foundation frost heave. The design methodology uses insulation and proper backfill selection to prevent the soils below the foundations from freezing. These can be set at a much shallower depth than conventional foundations. Use of FPSF can reduce a project's required excavation depth and allow reduced use of concrete, which saves construction time and money, in addition to other benefits. This webinar presents an overview of the concept, summarizes the benefits and potential challenges for design and construction, considers integration with insulation requirements for energy code compliance, and reviews the design methodology for heated and unheated buildings and other structures.

Primary Discussion Topics

• Frost depth vs. depth of frost-protected foundations
• Comparisons of material and impact quantities for FPSF vs regular foundations
• Drainage requirements for FPSF systems
• Integration with energy code insulation requirements
• Pitfalls to avoid when using FPSF

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Determine the benefits and limitations of the use of Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations (FPSF)
• Review when to use FPSF and when to use conventional-depth foundations
• Compare the difference between the two basic types of FPSF
• Identify the basics of the FPSF design methodology

Webinar Benefits

• Realize the possibilities of FPSF
• Discover a less expensive way to design foundations
• Understand some of the environmental benefits to FPSF
• Avoid costly pitfalls when using shallow foundations
• Learn how locating energy code-compliant insulation the right way can provide the insulation needed for FPSF design
• Review the limitations of the use of FPSF systems
• Go over a FPSF design example

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Intended Audience

• Structural engineers
• Geotechnical engineers
• Construction engineers
• Special inspection engineers

Webinar Outline

• What is FPSF
• Advantages
• Disadvantages
• Design methodology
• FPSF & energy code-Compliant insulation
• Construction
• Questions/discussions/answers

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]