Reliability of shallow foundations designed to Eurocode 7

Eurocode 7, the new European standard for geotechnical design, is based on the limit state design method, with partial factors and characteristic parameter values. An objective of the Eurocodes is that the chosen partial factors should achieve reliability levels for a structure close to a prescribed target value. The target ultimate limit state reliability index for a medium risk structure for 50 years is 3.8. This paper examines the reliability of an inclined-eccentrically and vertically loaded square foundation designed using all three Design Approaches in Eurocode 7 with the recommended partial factor values given in EN1997-1. The reliabilities obtained using the three Design Approaches are compared with the target reliability value and the reliabilities of traditional designs using overall factors of safety. The paper provides evidence that Eurocode 7 gives more consistent reliabilities for a greater range of parameter values than the traditional allowable stress method and demonstrates the importance of selecting appropriate characteristic values.