ACI 318-19
Updated: Aug 26, 2022
PREFACE TO ACI 318-19
The “Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete” (“Code”) provides minimum requirements for the materials,
design, and detailing of structural concrete buildings and, where applicable, nonbuilding structures. This Code was developed
by an ANSI-approved consensus process and addresses structural systems, members, and connections, including cast-in-place,
precast, shotcrete, plain, nonprestressed, prestressed, and composite construction. Among the subjects covered are: design and
construction for strength, serviceability, and durability; load combinations, load factors, and strength reduction factors; structures.
The Code was substantially reorganized and reformatted in 2014, and this Code continues and expands that same organizational
philosophy. The principal objectives of the reorganization were to present all design and detailing requirements for
structural systems or for individual members in chapters devoted to those individual subjects, and to arrange the chapters in
a manner that generally follows the process and chronology of design and construction. Information and procedures that are
common to the design of multiple members are located in utility chapters. Additional enhancements implemented in this Code
Uses of the Code include adoption by reference in a general building code, and earlier editions have been widely used in
this manner. The Code is written in a format that allows such reference without change to its language. Therefore, background
details or suggestions for carrying out the requirements or intent of the Code provisions cannot be included within the Code
itself. The Commentary is provided for this purpose.
Some considerations of the committee in developing the Code are discussed in the Commentary, with emphasis given to
the explanation of new or revised provisions. Much of the research data referenced in preparing the Code is cited for the user
desiring to study individual questions in greater detail. Other documents that provide suggestions for carrying out the requirements
of the Code are also cited.
Technical changes from ACI 318-14 to ACI 318-19 are outlined in the August 2019 issue of Concrete International and are
marked in the text of this Code with change bars in the margins.
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