News Detail

The Reorganized Code

2/1/2013

I’m sure that all of you have been hearing "rumors" about the reorganized ACI 318-14 Building Code that will be published in the second half of 2014 after undergoing Technical Activities Committee review later this year and a public comment period next winter. The reorganization process was initiated in 2006 and has proceeded steadily—although not always smoothly, given the rigors of the ACI consensus process—under the direction of Committee 318 Chair Randy Poston.

The primary goal of the reorganizational effort is to make the code more user-friendly by changing from the current behavior-based chapter format to member-based design chapters. The current format causes a designer to jump from chapter to chapter during the member design process without being sure that all of the design steps have been completed. The new code format will have all of the design and detailing requirements for a specific member type (for example, beams) in a single chapter, so when the provisions of a chapter are satisfied, all of the member design requirements will be satisfied. A user survey conducted following the release of the 2005 edition of the code indicated a desire for this type of format and it is believed that students, young engineers, and even seasoned professionals will be able to complete their designs more efficiently using the reorganized code.

Of course, a comprehensive member-by-member set of design chapters could result in considerable lengthening of the code if design equations are repeated in every chapter. Thus, a decision was made to develop "toolbox" chapters that contain common design and detailing requirements, which can be referred to from several member chapters. A balanced approach was required to avoid too many references to the toolbox chapters. Thus, member design chapters will have some references to the toolbox chapters and will also contain some design and detailing information that may be repeated in other member chapters.

Critics of the reorganization process have said that the code committee is simply reshuffling the design and detailing requirements into a new arrangement. However, a major benefit is that every code provision is being thoroughly reevaluated as it is moved to its new location. This process has led to the elimination of redundant provisions and the replacement of vague provisions with tables and figures that are easier to interpret. Also, where gaps were identified, the committee is writing new provisions and even new chapters to fill those gaps.

The ACI Building Code is one of the most influential design codes in the world and a primary basis for ACI’s reputation as a leading source of technical knowledge and information for the best use of concrete. Thus, the Institute is concerned about the user-community reaction to the reorganized code. Because change is counter to human nature, even changes that result in increased efficiency and productivity often receive an initial negative reaction.

I have been around long enough to recall when the building code made the "drastic" change from working-stress to strength design concepts. Many negative opinions were expressed, but few structural engineers today would advocate a move back to working-stress design, especially after all of the other structural material codes have followed ACI’s lead and adopted a strength design approach.

With this memo, I am urging all of you to get actively engaged in the rollout of the ACI 318-14 Building Code. There is a 318-14 portal on the ACI homepage that contains the latest information on the reorganized code. Inside the portal, you will find background information, a listing of code chapters and chapter content, a sample chapter, and a short PowerPoint presentation that can be downloaded and used to explain the new code to others. ACI is also planning to have a series of seminars on the reorganized code that will be presented in major cities across the United States, as well as international locations where the ACI Building Code is adopted.

So, you should get informed regarding the what, why, and how of the reorganized code and become a leader in your design office or company for fostering the understanding and acceptance of ACI 318-14.

James K. Wight
American Concrete Institute

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