Hello and thank you for taking the time to watch this presentation about the ACI PCI Code 319-25. This presentation was presented to the Board of Directors in February of 2025 at convention. So starting with a little history, PCI was chartered just over 70 years ago. And believe it or not, we have had an interest in having our own code for quite some time. Starting in 1954, there was a standard specifications for pre-tensioned, bonded, pre-stressed concrete. And then in 1959, we actually published a standard building code for pre-stressed concrete at convention for feedback. As you can see, this did not go away. And finally in 1971, we created the PCI Design Handbook and will provide a little bit more history on why we went down that path. And then 1997, PCI began writing the standard design practice that explained provisions in ACI 318 and how the provisions applied to precast pre-tensioned concrete. In 2014, PCI became an ANSI standards developer organization, which meant we then had a consensus process for developing standards of our own. So the full story of PCI's history for code provisions was published in the November-December 2003 journal article, which you see here. This provides more of an in-depth look of the history, and I would suggest going to that article. Going to that article. So in 1963, PCI had discussed with ACI the need for a pre-stressed code. At that time, 318 appointed four of our titans to the 318-63 code. Ross Bryan, Armand Gustafaro, T.Y. Lynn, and Erwin Speyer. In 1971, precast was given three chapters along with its own subcommittee, Sub-G. Chapter 16 with precast concrete. Chapter 17, composite concrete flexural members. Chapter 18 on pre-stressed concrete. There are over 250 sections of code, not including the terminology or notation that were distributed once 318-14 came into play. And Sub-G became Sub-P on precast and pre-stressed concrete, and Sub-T post-tensioned concrete. 318-14 of ACI was a major reorganization and transitioned from mechanics to member-based layout with toolbox chapters for shared mechanics and material provisions. Seismic provisions were actually retained as a separate chapter during the reorganization. So these 250 items that dealt with precast and precast pre-stressed concrete that was overseen by Sub-G was distributed throughout the whole code now and into different committees that may or may not be familiar with pre-stressed concrete. So Sub-G really no longer had that direct oversight. So Sub-G actually also had to coordinate with all these other subcommittees to continue to address precast pre-stressed content and also be aware of any changes that could unintentionally affect precast concrete. With this change, we essentially did no longer had effective management of the pre-stressed technical content. And as I said before, PCI became an anti-standards development organization in 2014. So during this time as 318-19 was being developed and it was the the next rendition after the new layout, PCI decided that we needed to come back to taking our future in our own hands. And thus created a strategic goal number one with an agreement with ACI through a memo of understanding that we would co-develop ACI PCI 319 building code requirements for precast structural concrete. At the same time, PCI design standard committee was formed. So you might ask, well, we had done this previously just fine before. What were the other reasons for becoming a standards writing body? One was the merger of the model building codes. The other was the other was requirements for mandatory language. Many times designers were being faced with, well, where's the code provision for this type of system or maybe this connection? So we saw a lot more of demand from plan reviewers and building code officials wanting to know how we were allowing different designs to happen. And plus there was a lower interest at ACI 318 for precast concrete. So a group got together led by Dr. Cleland, SK Ghosh, and many others that identified 60 items that needed to be codified that may have been existing in the handbook or needed further substantiation to be able to be used. So there were four categories, seismic, handbook, joints connections, and insulated wall panels. There were two standalone standards that were developed, one being for insulated wall panels and the other one being for precast piles. Several of these items on the list of 60 also need research and development, which we are pulling together as you are hearing this. And some of those items also belonged in other places, whether it was at ASCE or in other ACI documents. So as the PCI design standard committee was working, you'll see that it was put together in one committee. However, that one committee had several task groups, seismic, joints connections, handbook, consultant support, and insulated wall panels. And so we kind of leave that out here by the side because that was one standalone document that was created. Everything came back and was balloted through the design standard committee, which went through TAC at PCI. And then once it was at PCI TAC and approved there, it was then forwarded over to the ACI PCI 319 committee. Now you'll see there were multiple ballots coming back and forth. So there was continuous collaboration between the PCI committee and the ACI PCI committee to resolve negatives, specifically on content that was generated within these task groups and passed along by the design standard committee. Now at the same time, we have two parallel tracks. One we already discussed, PCI design standard committee, which was creating new code provisions. And at the ACI side, where they were the lead sponsor, ACI PCI 319 committee was forming the initial draft for 319. The items generated by PCI were balloted at 319, included, and then the whole document was reviewed at ACI TAC. And then of course, went through public comment, publishing, and hopefully adoption, along with some marketing. So what's in these new 319 code? So we have nine new items, torsion design based on plate bending provisions that have been in the commentary of 318 previously. Corbel design, dapped end and notched end beam designs based on the latest research. Bearing regions, intermediate precast structural walls, which allows for strong and ductile connections when grouping shear walls as part of a system. Diaphragms with cast in place concrete pore strips. Interface shear using the PCI handbook method. And precast concrete components that have already been erected or produced in the plant. So this last one is actually one that I think we'll find very beneficial, is it gives a methodology for testing and reviewing precast components that may have a deficiency without removing them from the structure if they've already been erected, or by having an exemplar member that's been produced and can be analyzed for capacity. So here you'll see, this is actually part of the public comment draft layout of 319. So there's general, which this is an edited section, which is parallel with the exact same sections in ACI 318. And equal sign, which is a direct copy of information in 318. And then in some places, there's new provisions, or there's direction on where to find information needed to satisfy these requirements, such as ACI 318, or ACI PTI 320. So we've done all this work, so what's next? PCI has submitted a code change proposal to ICC for adoption of 319 in the IBC 2027. We are looking at education sessions, journal articles, webinars, and an online academy program. The PCI Design Standard Committee has began its second cycle with a new chair and new committee. And we'll be generating the next round of new code provisions, as well as creating R&D proposals. So some of the provisions we have ready are openings through webs, ledge design, intermediate moment frames, provisions for steel hangers, and release stresses, and so on. At the ACI PCI 319 committee, they will be receiving new code provisions from PCI, as well as collaborating with ACI 318 and ACI PTI 320, and reviewing new business from last cycle, finding errata, any proposals coming to 318 that may revise one of the two documents, and also greater inclusion of tilt-up, as tilt-up is defined as a precast concrete system by ACI. And during all of this, we also have many other standards that have been created. PCI specification for fire resistance was updated at the end of 2023. ANSI PCI 128 was updated the end of 2024 for the specification of glass fiber reinforced concrete panels. ANSI PCI 142, the specification for precast pre-stressed concrete piles was released mid-summer of last year, as well as the specification for the design of precast concrete insulated wall panels. And there has also been a code change proposal to adopt that standard in IBC 2027 as well. So we look forward to seeing how that shakes out after the code hearings this year. So thank you again, and I appreciate your attention, and hope you gain something out of this. Thank you.

ACI PCI Code 319-25

precast concrete

Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute

code development

structural design