ACI 318 is arguably one of the most influential concrete codes in the world and a primary reason for ACI’s reputation as a leading source of technical information on the use of concrete. The basic framework of the Code was established in 1963 to introduce strength design and has remained basically unchanged ever since. To ensure that the Code continues to serve as a primary resource for the construction industry, ACI Committee 318 has elected to step back and examine the document’s organization. This article presents the case for reorganizing the Code and discusses why it may be prudent to do so at this time.

Before the ACI Spring 2008 Convention, the Technical Activities Committee (TAC) selected 73 Chairs for ACI technical committees and TAC subcommittees.

Although many practicing engineers have access to finite element software that can perform heat transfer and stress analyses, this software often doesn’t include modules for evaluating diffusion problems. This can make it difficult to analyze a concrete structure or component for the effects of moisture loss over time. The technique described in this article takes advantage of the analogy between diffusion and heat transfer equations to allow commonly available software to analyze concrete structures for stresses arising from restrained drying shrinkage.