Email Address is required Invalid Email Address
In today’s market, it is imperative to be knowledgeable and have an edge over the competition. ACI members have it…they are engaged, informed, and stay up to date by taking advantage of benefits that ACI membership provides them.
Read more about membership
Learn More
Become an ACI Member
Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA, the American Concrete Institute is a leading authority and resource worldwide for the development, dissemination, and adoption of its consensus-based standards, technical resources, educational 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.
Staff Directory
ACI World Headquarters 38800 Country Club Dr. Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3439 USA Phone: 1.248.848.3800 Fax: 1.248.848.3701
ACI Middle East Regional Office Second Floor, Office #207 The Offices 2 Building, One Central Dubai World Trade Center Complex Dubai, UAE Phone: +971.4.516.3208 & 3209
ACI Resource Center Southern California Midwest Mid Atlantic
Feedback via Email Phone: 1.248.848.3800
ACI Global Home Middle East Region Portal Western Europe Region Portal
Home > Tools > Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I understand that ACI 318 does not address slabs-on-ground. Is a slab-on-ground that is supported by piles still considered a slab-on-ground by ACI? A. According to section 1.4.8 of ACI 318-19, ACI 318 does not apply to design and construction of slabs-on-ground, unless the slab transmits vertical loads or lateral forces from other portions of the structure to the soil. The case you described does not appear to be a “soil-supported” slab, thus applicable provisions of ACI 318 would govern. Note that ACI 360R presents information on the design of slabs-on-ground, primarily industrial floors and the slabs adjacent to them. The report addresses the planning, design, and detailing of the slabs. Background information on the design theories is followed by discussion of the soil support system, loadings, and types of slabs. Design methods are given for structural plain concrete, reinforced concrete, shrinkage-compensating concrete, and post-tensioned concrete slabs. For more information you can check on demand courses Design of Concrete Slabs-on-Ground; Construction of Concrete Slabs-on-Ground References: ACI 318-19; 360R-10 Topics in Concrete: 318 Building Code; Design; Slab
Q. I understand that ACI 318 does not address slabs-on-ground. Is a slab-on-ground that is supported by piles still considered a slab-on-ground by ACI?
A. According to section 1.4.8 of ACI 318-19, ACI 318 does not apply to design and construction of slabs-on-ground, unless the slab transmits vertical loads or lateral forces from other portions of the structure to the soil. The case you described does not appear to be a “soil-supported” slab, thus applicable provisions of ACI 318 would govern.
Note that ACI 360R presents information on the design of slabs-on-ground, primarily industrial floors and the slabs adjacent to them. The report addresses the planning, design, and detailing of the slabs. Background information on the design theories is followed by discussion of the soil support system, loadings, and types of slabs. Design methods are given for structural plain concrete, reinforced concrete, shrinkage-compensating concrete, and post-tensioned concrete slabs. For more information you can check on demand courses Design of Concrete Slabs-on-Ground; Construction of Concrete Slabs-on-Ground
References: ACI 318-19; 360R-10
Topics in Concrete: 318 Building Code; Design; Slab
Search other resources on the ACI website for answers to technical questions