The American Concrete Institute (ACI) has recently released a new code known as ACI 562 for the prescription and maintenance of concrete. The code is designed specifically to allow licensed professionals to use their experience and judgement to determine the best course of action while also outlining a baseline of requirements for repair.
A recently-updated subset of the code, ACI 562-16 is ideal for repairing existing structures before a catastrophic failure occurs. Designed to be used for assessing reinforced concrete, the code lays out clearly-defined, uniform requirements which must be met. Structural engineers are already widely using the code for material evaluations and to discern the best strategy for reinforcement on projects ranging from large civil structures to private developments.
In conjunction with the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI), ACI has published a Guide to the Code for Evaluation, Repair, and Rehabilitation of Concrete Buildings which is meant to provide a roadmap for engineers on the code’s new specifications. Says ForConstructionPros.com, “Although specifically developed for licensed design professionals, the guide will also serve to provide insight into the use and benefits of ACI 562 for contractors, material manufacturers, building owners, and building officials.” The guide covers everything from parking garage repairs to two-way flat slab strengthening to adapting historic structures for reuse.
ACI is known for its broad experience in managing, analyzing, and comparing concrete structures around the country. Building on their technical guidance abilities since the 1920s, ACI’s chief engineering minds are regarded as some of the best in the world when it comes to reinforced concrete structures. The new code(s) seek to combine centuries-old best practices in concrete repair with the latest technologies and enhancements to materials, design, and construction.
Shield Engineering considers resources put out by the American Concrete Institute to be benchmarks for industry standards. Our structural engineers work to ACI and ICRI standards whenever possible; for more information on how these new repair codes might impact your project, call our engineering team today.
