American Concrete InstituteReleases the Reorganized ACI318-14

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – October 26, 2014 – The AmericanConcrete Institute (ACI), an organization whose mission is todevelop and disseminate consensus-based knowledge on concreteand its uses, officially released the completely reorganizedACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for StructuralConcrete. The 2015 International Building Code will reference318-14.

Now published and available for use, the reorganized 318-14 isorganized from an engineer’s perspective. By focusing onmember design, ACI 318 requirements flow more intuitively andhave fewer cross-references. Significant highlights include:

Greater ease of useImproved logic and flow of informationMember-based organization to quickly locate relevantcode informationConstruction requirements centralized in one chapter

“ACI is proud and excited to announce the reorganized ACI318-14 is published and available for our industry to use,”said Randall W. Poston, Ph.D., P.E., S.E., Chair, ACICommittee 318, 2008-2014. “ACI 318 is one of the mostessential and valuable standards with respect to the design ofconcrete structures, and the reorganization is designed tomeet the needs of users in the modern design and constructionenvironment.”

This publication is the first major reorganization of ACI 318since 1971 and represents nearly a decade of work. Thepublication features improved language and style consistency,

more expansive use of tables and charts and is organized sothat engineers have increased confidence they have satisfiedall necessary code requirements.

Other updates include new chapters on structural systems anddiaphragms and a consistent structure for each member chapter.

“The new format will more easily accommodate new topics wellinto the future,” said Poston. “The new code not onlyencourages better structural concrete design, but alsosupports better communication among designers, engineers,contractors, and construction professionals. Additionally,the code is much easier for students and new engineers tolearn and apply, and, because of the member-basedorganization, the user is assured that a design is completeand has met all code requirements. ”

The United States and more than 22 countries around the worldbase their national building codes on all or part of ACI 318,and the document is used globally. 318-14 is available invarious electronic formats for access on desktop, tablet andmobile devices, plus the traditional printed copy. The manualwill also appear in Spanish, Chinese, and other languages.

There are many tools available to supplement knowledge of ACI318-14. Approximately 50 seminars are being scheduled for2015 in various locations for professionals who wish for moreinformation about the reorganized 318-14. ACI’s ReinforcedConcrete Design Manual will be updated and published inaccordance with the reorganized 318-14, and will be availablein 2015.

“To aid engineers in transitioning to the member-based ACI318-14, the American Concrete Institute has publishedtransition keys that map provisions in ACI 318-11 to theirlocation in ACI 318-14. I encourage everyone to takeadvantage of these keys, available for free download fromwww.concrete.org,” said Poston. “Using these keys along with

the Reinforced Concrete Design Manual, an invaluable companionto the 318-14, will ensure a smooth conversion.”

Additional resources are available at www.concrete.org and onACI’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

To learn more about ACI 318-14 and to purchase, visitwww.concrete.org/ACI318.

Always advancing – The American Concrete Institute is aleading authority and resource worldwide for the developmentand distribution of consensus-based standards and technicalresources, educational programs and certifications forindividuals and organizations involved in concrete design,construction and materials, who share a commitment to pursuingthe best use of concrete. ACI’s inclusive, individual member-driven structure and valuable, cost-effective benefits resultin an essential organization that invites partnerships andwelcomes all concrete professionals who wish to be a part of arespected, connected social group that provides an opportunityfor professional growth, networking and enjoyment.