> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.enercalc.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.enercalc.com/sel-faq/using-the-software/calculation-modules/foundations2/shallow-foundation-applicable.md). # Shallow Foundation "Applicable Provisions" How ENERCALC interprets the applicable provisions phrasing in ACI 318 Section 13.3 for shallow foundation design. How does ENERCALC interpret the "applicable provisions" phrasing described in Section 13.3 of ACI 318? ACI 318 often defers to other chapters for the design of shallow foundation elements, using the phrase "applicable provisions" to reference relevant guidelines rather than repeating information. For example: * ***13.3.2.1*** *The design and detailing of one-way shallow foundations, including strip footings, combined footings, and grade beams, shall be in accordance with this section and* ***the applicable provisions of Chapter 7 and Chapter 9.*** * ***13.3.3.1*** *The design and detailing of two-way isolated footings shall be in accordance with this section and* ***the applicable provisions of Chapter 7 and Chapter 8.*** * ***13.3.4.1*** *The design and detailing of combined footings and mat foundations shall be in accordance with this section and* ***the applicable provisions of Chapter 8.*** * ***13.3.5.1*** *The design of walls as grade beams shall be in accordance with* ***the applicable provisions of Chapter 9.*** * ***13.3.6.1*** *The stem of a cantilever retaining wall shall be designed as a one-way slab in accordance with* ***the applicable provisions of Chapter 7.*** Some may argue that this phrasing makes it challenging to identify which provisions from those chapters apply to specific foundation designs, leaving room for interpretation regarding the requirements. While not every provision from the referenced chapters will necessarily apply to every design situation, many of them will. After consulting with ACI Technical Staff, ENERCALC has elected to follow the following general guidelines: * Provisions from different chapters are not to be combined. The expectation is that the most appropriate chapter is selected and its provisions are applied consistently throughout the design. * All provisions within the selected chapter are considered applicable unless they are specifically excluded or clearly not relevant based on the design context. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.enercalc.com/sel-faq/using-the-software/calculation-modules/foundations2/shallow-foundation-applicable.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.