Geopiers (stone columns) in SDC D

[Lazzaroni]

ASCE 7-05 12.13.6.2 requires that foundations be interconnected with ties (grade beams) when using piles in SDC D, E, & F and shallow foundations in SDC E & F. The project I'm reviewing is in SDC D and is using geopiers to support shallow foundations. Does a geopier qualify as a pile foundation that would require ties?

 

[OHIOMatt]

GeoPiers are not piles. They are a soil improvement technique.