In this Code, the general building code refers to the building code adopted in a jurisdiction. When adopted, this Code forms part of the general building code.

1.2.3

The official version of this Code is the English language version, using inch-pound units, published by the American Concrete Institute.

1.2.4

In case of conflict between the official version of this Code and other versions of this Code, the official version governs.

This Code provides minimum requirements for the materials, design, construction, and strength evaluation of structural concrete members and systems in any structure designed and constructed under the requirements of the general building code.

1.2.6

Modifications to this Code that are adopted by a particular jurisdiction are part of the laws of that jurisdiction, but are not a part of this Code.

1.2.7

If no general building code is adopted, this Code provides minimum requirements for the materials, design, construction, and strength evaluation of members and systems in any structure within the scope of this Code.

1.3 Purpose

1.3.1

The purpose of this Code is to provide for public health and safety by establishing minimum requirements for strength, stability, serviceability, durability, and integrity of concrete structures.

1.3.2

This Code does not address all design considerations.

1.3.3

Construction means and methods are not addressed in this Code.

1.4 Applicability

1.4.1

This Code shall apply to concrete structures designed and constructed under the requirements of the general building code.

1.4.2

Applicable provisions of this Code shall be permitted to be used for structures not governed by the general building code.

1.4.3

The design of thin shells and folded plate concrete structures shall be in accordance with ACI 318.2, "Building Code Requirements for Concrete Thin Shells."

1.4.4

This Code shall apply to the design of slabs cast on stay-in-place, noncomposite steel decks.

1.4.5

For one- and two-family dwellings, multiple single-family dwellings, townhouses, and accessory structures to these types of dwellings, the design and construction of cast-in-place footings, foundation walls, and slabs-on-ground in accordance with ACI 332 shall be permitted.

1.4.6

This Code does not apply to the design and installation of concrete piles, drilled piers, and caissons embedded in ground, except as provided in (a) or (b):

(a) For portions in air or water, or in soil incapable of providing adequate lateral restraint to prevent buckling throughout their length

(b) For structures assigned to Seismic Design Categories D, E, and F

1.4.7

This Code 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.

1.4.8

This Code does not apply to the design and construction of tanks and reservoirs.

1.4.9

This Code does not apply to composite design slabs cast on stay-in-place composite steel deck. Concrete used in the construction of such slabs shall be governed by this Code, where applicable. Portions of such slabs designed as reinforced concrete are governed by this Code.

1.5 Interpretation

1.5.1

The principles of interpretation in this section shall apply to this Code as a whole unless otherwise stated.

1.5.2

This Code consists of chapters and appendixes, including text, headings, tables, figures, footnotes to tables and figures, and referenced standards.

1.5.3

The Commentary consists of a preface, introduction, commentary text, tables, figures, and cited publications. The Commentary is intended to provide contextual information, but is not part of this Code, does not provide binding requirements, and shall not be used to create a conflict with or ambiguity in this Code.

1.5.4

This Code shall be interpreted in a manner that avoids conflict between or among its provisions. Specific provisions shall govern over general provisions.

1.5.5

This Code shall be interpreted and applied in accordance with the plain meaning of the words and terms used. Specific definitions of words and terms in this Code shall be used where provided and applicable, regardless of whether other materials, standards, or resources outside of this Code provide a different definition.

1.5.6

The following words and terms in this Code shall be interpreted in accordance with (a) through (e):

(a) The word "shall" is always mandatory.

(b) Provisions of this Code are mandatory even if the word "shall" is not used.

(d) The word "and" indicates that all of the connected items, conditions, requirements, or events shall apply.

(e) The word "or" indicates that the connected items, conditions, requirements, or events are alternatives, at least one of which shall be satisfied.

1.5.7

In any case in which one or more provisions of this Code are declared by a court or tribunal to be invalid, that ruling shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this Code, which are severable. The ruling of a court or tribunal shall be effective only in that court's jurisdiction, and shall not affect the content or interpretation of this Code in other jurisdictions.

1.5.8

If conflicts occur between provisions of this Code and those of standards and documents referenced in Chapter 3, this Code shall apply.

1.6 Building Official

1.6.1

All references in this Code to the building official shall be understood to mean persons who administer and enforce this Code.

1.6.2

Actions and decisions by the building official affect only the specific jurisdiction and do not change this Code.

1.6.3

The building official shall have the right to order testing of any materials used in concrete construction to determine if materials are of the quality specified.

1.7 Licensed Design Professional

1.7.1

All references in this Code to the licensed design professional shall be understood to mean the person who is licensed and responsible for, and in charge of, the structural design or inspection.

1.8 Construction Documents and Design Records

1.8.1

The licensed design professional shall provide in the construction documents the information required in Chapter 26 and that required by the jurisdiction.

1.8.2

Calculations pertinent to design shall be filed with the construction documents if required by the building official. Analyses and designs using computer programs shall be permitted provided design assumptions, user input, and computer-generated output are submitted. Model analysis shall be permitted to supplement calculations.

1.9 Testing and Inspection

1.9.1

Concrete materials shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 26.

1.9.2

Concrete construction shall be inspected in accordance with the general building code and in accordance with Chapters 17 and 26.

1.9.3

Inspection records shall include information required in Chapters 17 and 26.

1.10 Approval of Special Systems of Design, Construction, or Alternative Construction Materials

1.10.1

Sponsors of any system of design, construction, or alternative construction materials within the scope of this Code, the adequacy of which has been shown by successful use or by analysis or test, but which does not conform to or is not covered by this Code, shall have the right to present the data on which their design is based to the building official or to a board of examiners appointed by the building official. This board shall be composed of competent engineers and shall have authority to investigate the data so submitted, require tests, and formulate rules governing design and construction of such systems to meet the intent of this Code. These rules, when approved by the building official and promulgated, shall be of the same force and effect as the provisions of this Code.