Bruce Suprenant, Technical Director, The Voice Newsletter January/February 2019

The American Concrete Institute expects to publish “ACI 318-19: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete” in 2019. The new edition will be the first since the reorganized format was published in 2014 and will include new and updated code provisions along with updated color illustrations for clarity.

The new code provisions should cover topics including transverse reinforcement and shear in wide beams, hanger reinforcement, bi-directional interaction of one-way shear, and reference to ACI certifications. Existing provisions expected to receive significant updates and clarifications include two-way shear strength, ordinary walls, seismic loads, reinforcement detailing, analysis, and numerous materials requirements. Analysis methods for two-way slabs and provisions on shearheads and composite concrete columns are expected to be removed.

ACI published the complete draft of the proposed “ACI 318-19: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete” for a 45-day public review on December 21, 2018. Comments are due to ACI by February 4, 2019. It is anticipated that the final code requirements will be published and made available in June 2019 and be referenced in the 2021 International Building Code. Print and digital formats of ACI 318-19 are expected, as well as versions in inch-pound units, SI units, and other languages. ACI 318-19 will be included in the ACI Collection of Concrete Codes, Specifications, and Practices, and educational seminars will begin in fall 2019.

For a copy of the ACI 318 Public Discussion Draft and Public Comment Forms go to: https://www.concrete.org/publications/standards/upcomingstandards.aspx or contact Bruce Suprenant at bsuprenant@ascconline.org.