PCI Standard Design Practice Ref ACI 318-14

Precast, prestressed concrete design is based on conformance with the provisions of the American Concrete Institute’s (ACI’s) Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-14) and Commentary (ACI 318R-14). In most cases, these provisions are followed explicitly. Occasionally, interpretation of some sections of ACI 318 is required to ensure quality is maintained in conjunction with the unique characteristics of precast and prestressed concrete fabrication, shipping, and erection. Members of the PCI Building Code Committee, along with other experienced precast concrete design engineers, have identified code provisions, detailed in this publication, that require clarification or interpretation. These design practices are followed by most precast concrete design engineers to produce safe, economical precast concrete structures and they provide a consistent approach for the designers and contractors.