"We are looking at potential savings in foundation costs without compromising safety," notes the report accompanying the guidelines. "When you verify that a local practice is sound, you remove the 'fear factor' that leads engineers to over-size piles. You also reduce the likelihood of disputes during construction regarding whether a local method is 'up to code,' because the code now explicitly endorses the practice."

: Cone Penetration Tests (CPT) can replace lab tests if the quantity matches the minimum number of boreholes. 2. Standardized Design Parameters

Verification is a continuous process from site investigation to post-installation: