The ACI 318-05 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary discusses some of the considerations of Committee 318 in developing the provisions contained in “Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-05),” hereinafter called the code or the 2005 code.

This commentary places emphasis on the explanation of new or revised provisions that may be unfamiliar to code users. Comments have also been included for some items that are contained in previous editions of the code, serving to make this  commentary independent of the previous editions. Comments on specific provisions are made under the corresponding chapter and section numbers of the code.

The commentary also directs attention to other documents that are relevant in order to provide suggestions for carrying out the requirements and intent of the code.

The code presented in this commentary provides a means of establishing minimum standards for acceptance of designs and construction by legally appointed building officials or their designated representatives. The Code covers all buildings of the usual types, both large and small, and states only the minimum requirements necessary to provide for public health and safety. It is not intended to replace sound engineering knowledge, experience, and judgement. Subsequently, for any structure, the owner or the structural designer may require the quality of materials and construction to be higher than the minimum requirements necessary to protect the public as stated in the code.

The commentary is not intended to provide a complete historical background concerning the development of the ACI Building Code, * nor is it intended to provide a detailed résumé of the studies and research data reviewed by the committee in formulating the provisions of the code. However, references to some of the research data are provided for those who wish to study the background material in depth. As the name implies, “Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete” is meant to be used as part of a legally adopted building code and as such must differ in form and substance from documents that provide detailed specifications, recommended practice, complete design procedures, or design aids.

It is recommended to have testing and certification programs for the individual parties involved with the execution of work performed in accordance with this code. Available for this purpose are the plant certification programs of the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, the Post-Tensioning Institute and the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association; the personnel certification programs of the American Concrete Institute and the Post-Tensioning Institute; and the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute's Voluntary Certification Program for Fusion-Bonded Epoxy Coating Applicator Plants. In addition, “Standard Specification for Agencies Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Materials Used in Construction” (ASTM E 329-03) specifies performance requirements for inspection and testing agencies. 430 pp.