Piles and piers are capable of transferring the lateral forces between the structure and the soil.
The deficiencies include inadequate flexural strength and ductility of piles or piers at the connection to the cap and the upper portion of the pile. Compare the maximum lateral resistance of soil against piles or piers and caps against the demand. For concrete piles, check for a minimal amount of longitudinal reinforcement in the upper portion of piles or piers and for hoops or ties immediately beneath the caps. Also check for confining transverse reinforcement wherever bending moments might be high, including changes in soil stiffness. Conforming buildings which fail this check shall be placed in SPC 4.