This book is intended to guide practicing structural engineers familiar with ear lier ACI building codes into more profitable routine designs with the ACI 1995 Building Code (ACI 318-95). Each new ACI Building Code expresses the latest knowledge of reinforced concrete in legal language for safe design application. Beginning in 1956 with the introduction of ultimate strength design, each new code offered better uti lization of high-strength reinforcement and the compressive strength of the con crete itself. Each new code thus permitted more economy as to construction material, but achieved it through more detailed and complicated design calcula tions. In addition to competition requiring independent structural engineers to follow the latest code for economy, it created a professional obligation to fol low the latest code for accepted levels of structural safety. The increasing complexity of codes has encouraged the use of computers for design and has stimulated the development of computer-based handbooks. Before computer software can be successfully used in the structural design of buildings, preliminary sizes of structural elements must be established from handbook tables, estimates, or experienced first guesses for input into the com puter.

Standards for tests and materials - Durability requirements - Concrete quality, mixing, and placing - Formwork, embedded pipes, and construction and movement joints - Details of reinforcement - Analysis and design general considerations - Strength and serviceability requirements - Flexure and axial loads - Shear and torsion - Development and splices of reinforcement - Two-way slab systems - Walls - Footings - Precast concrete - Composite concrete flexural members - Prestressed concrete - Shells and folded plate members - Strength evaluation of existing structures - Special provisions for seismic design - Structural plain concrete.

The quality and testing of materials used in construction are covered by reference to the appropriate ASTM standard specifications. Welding of reinforcement is covered by reference to the appropriate AWS standard. Uses of the Code include adoption by reference in general building codes, and earlier editions have been widely used in this manner. The Code is written 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 portion cannot be included. The Commentary is provided for this purpose. Some of the considerations of the committee in developing the Code portion are discussed within the Commentary, with emphasis given to the explanation of new or revised provisions. 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.

The Concrete Construction Engineering Handbook, Second Edition provides in depth coverage of concrete construction engineering and technology. It features state-of-the-art discussions on what design engineers and constructors need to know about concrete, focusing on - The latest advances in engineered concrete materials Reinforced concrete construction Specialized construction techniques Design recommendations for high performance With the newly revised edition of this essential handbook, designers, constructors, educators, and field personnel will learn how to produce the best and most durably engineered constructed facilities.