Reduction of foundation overturning (ASCE 7-16 Cl. 12.13.4)

[EngrRC]

Has anyone used this provision for piled raft design? I intend to use this to reduce the pile loads coming from earthquake.

I've seen some people say that this is only for overturning/soil stability, but from the commentary, my interpretation that this 25% reduction in overturning moment can be applied to pile design. The commentary notes that the equivalent lateral procedure uses envelope of storey shears, hence base overturning moment is exaggerated.

 

[KootK]

...my interpretation that this 25% reduction in overturning moment can be applied to pile design.

That's my interpretation as well and for the same reason that you pointed out in the commentary. It's not so much a "reduction" as it is a dialing back the base OT to a value consistent with realistic expectations.