AASHTO vs. ACI footing design

[RacingAZ]

Is there a significant difference? I was under the impression that AASHTO is patterned and in general compliance with ACI. This is for sign and light pole footing design. Thanks!

 

[BridgeEI]

Should be fairly close to the same but there are some differences. Right off hand I know the shear capacity of concrete is calculated differently than that of ACI. Load & resistance factors are different as well.

 

[RacingAZ]

thanks BEI, Is that mean LRFD is the only acceptable design method?

 

[BridgeEI]

Not at all. You'd have to check w/ the state that you're in, but LFD & WSD are still acceptable methods of design. Occassionally I have to do something in either of those, but 98% of everything I do is using LRFD. Its the generation I grew up in so I know much more about LRFD than the other codes. If this is a new highway project then I would probably use AASHTO LRFD, it all depends on the client & code.