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Description / Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
The code and commentary includes excerpts from ACI 318M-02 that
are pertinent to ACI 350M. The commentary discusses some of the
considerations of Committee ACI 350 in developing "Code
Requirements for Environmental Engineering Concrete Structures (ACI
350M-06)," hereinafter called the code. Emphasis is given to the
explanation of provisions that may be unfamiliar to users of the
standard. Comments on specific provisions are made under the
corresponding chapter and section numbers of the code and
commentary.
This commentary is not intended to provide a complete historical
background concerning the development of the code, nor is it
intended to provide a detailed summary 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, "Code Requirements for Environmental
Engineering Concrete Structures" may be used as part of a legally
adopted code and, as such, must differ in form and substance from
documents that provide detailed specifications, recommended
practice, complete design procedures, or design aids.
The code is intended to cover environmental engineering concrete
structures, but is not intended to supersede ASTM standards for
precast structures.
Requirements more stringent than the code provisions may be
desirable for unusual structures. This code and this commentary
cannot replace sound engineering knowledge, experience, and
judgment.
A code for design and construction states the minimum
requirements necessary to provide for public health and safety. ACI
350M is based on this principle. 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 provide serviceability and to protect the public as stated in
the code. Lower standards, however, are not permitted.
ACI 350M has no legal status unless it is adopted by government
bodies having the power to regulate building design and
construction. Where the code has not been adopted, it may serve as
a reference to good practice.
The code provides a means of establishing minimum standards for
acceptance of design and construction by a legally appointed
building official or his designated representatives. The code and
commentary are not intended for use in settling disputes between
the owner, engineer, architect, contractor, or their agents,
subcontractors, material suppliers, or testing agencies. Therefore,
the code cannot define the contract responsibility of each of the
parties in usual construction. General references requiring
compliance with ACI 350M in the job specifications should be
avoided, since the contractor is rarely in a position to accept
responsibility for design details or construction requirements that
depend on a detailed knowledge of the design. Generally, the
drawings, specifications, and contract documents should contain all
of the necessary requirements to ensure compliance with the code.
In part, this can be accomplished by reference to specific code
sections in the job specifications. Other ACI publications, such as
ACI 301M, "Specifications for Structural Concrete," are written
specifically for use as contract documents for construction.
Committee 350 recognizes the desirability of standards of
performance for individual parties involved in the contract
documents. Available for this purpose are the certification
programs of the American Concrete Institute, the plant
certification programs of the Precast/Prestressed Concrete
Institute, the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, and the
qualification standards of the American Society of Concrete
Constructors. Also available are "Standard Specification for
Agencies Engaged in Construction Inspection and/or Testing" (ASTM E
329) and "Standard Practice for Laboratories Testing Concrete and
Concrete Aggregates for Use in Construction and Criteria for
Laboratory Evaluation" (ASTM C 1077).