Content Description

The “Structural Precast Concrete—Code Requirements and Commentary” (“Code”) provides minimum requirements for the materials, design, and detailing of structural precast concrete buildings and, where applicable, nonbuilding structures. This Code was developed using a consensus process and addresses plant-produced and site-produced structural precast concrete that contains nonprestressed reinforcement or pretensioned reinforcement, or both. The Design Standard Committee of Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute was instrumental in the development of code provisions and commentary for this Code and whose efforts are gratefully acknowledged. Among the subjects covered are: design and construction for strength, serviceability, and durability; load combinations, load factors, and strength reduction factors; structural analysis methods; deflection limits; mechanical and adhesive anchoring to concrete; development and splicing of reinforcement; construction document information; field inspection and testing; and methods to evaluate the strength of existing structures. This Code adheres to the chapter and section numbering of ACI CODE-318-25 and either cites or repeats applicable provisions from ACI CODE-318. Provisions that are identical to ACI CODE-318 and are repeated in this Code are denoted with an equal sign (“=”). Provisions that are applicable to precast concrete but are not repeated in the Code are denoted as “See ACI CODE-318.” Design and detailing requirements for structural systems or for individual members are presented in chapters devoted to those individual subjects, and the chapters are arranged 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 member types are located in utility chapters. Within chapters, the terms “out of scope” and “not applicable” are used for numbered section headings from ACI CODE-318 that are not covered by this Code, while the term “intentionally left blank” is used as a place holder to maintain consistency with section numbering in situations where ACI CODE-318 includes a numbered provision that is not also in this Code. Uses of the Code include adoption by reference in a general building code, and it is 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 provisions. Given the similarity in design requirements for structural concrete that is either cast-in-place or precast, the commentary explains the difference in application. The commentary also provides explanations regarding situations where use of both ACI CODE-318 and this Code is necessary. For instance, design of cast-in-place, nonprestressed concrete members or structures requires the use of ACI CODE-318 alone. Design of precast concrete structures requires the use of this Code and ACI CODE-318. Design of precast, post-tensioned concrete structures requires the use of applicable provisions of ACI CODE-318, ACI/PCI CODE-319, and ACI/PTI CODE-320. For provisions that specifically address post-tensioning and are generally not within the scope of precast concrete, this code references either ACI CODE-318 or ACI/PTI CODE-320, as applicable. 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, including PCI Standards and PCI or Tilt-up Concrete Association (TCA) design manuals, recommended practices, and reports. Keywords: beam-column frame; beams (supports); columns (supports); combined stress; composite construction (concrete to concrete); compressive strength; concrete; construction documents; construction joints; continuity (structural); contraction joints; cover; deep beams; deflections; earthquake-resistant structures; flexural strength; floors; inspection; isolation joints; joints (junctions); joists; lightweight concretes; load tests (structural); loads (forces); modulus of elasticity; moments; piles; precast concrete; prestressed concrete; pretensioned concrete; prestressing steels; quality control; reinforced concrete; reinforcing steels; roofs; serviceability; shear strength; spans; splicing; strength analysis; stresses; structural analysis; structural design; structural integrity; structural walls; T-beams; torsion; walls; welded wire reinforcement.

About ACI

Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA, the American Concrete Institute is a leading authority and resource worldwide for the development and distribution of consensus-based standards, technical resources, educational & training programs, certification programs, and proven expertise for individuals and organizations involved in concrete design, construction, and materials, who share a commitment to pursuing the best use of concrete. ACI has over 95 chapters, 110 student chapters, and nearly 20,000 members spanning over 120 countries.