This Standard sets out minimum design requirements and procedures for the design in limit states format of foundations and soil-supporting structures for road, rail and pedestrian bridges, culverts not specifically covered by other Standards, and subways of conventional size and form.

Foundations include shallow footings, piles and anchorages.

Soil-supporting structures include retaining walls, abutments and buried structures.

The provisions also covers the design of foundations for road furniture, such as lighting poles and sign support structures and noise barriers.

The Standard does not cover the design of—

(a) corrugated steel pipes and arches (see AS 1762, AS/NZS 2041 and AS 3703.2);

(b) underground concrete drainage pipes (see AS 3725 and AS 4058); and

(c) reinforced soil structures.

The requirements for structural design and detailing of concrete and steel are specified in AS 5100.5 and AS 5100.6; however, a number of specific structural design provisions that result from soil-structure interaction are covered by this Standard.