11/4/2020

ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Discussion
The New ACI 301-20 • Goal of Specifications
Presented by: • ACI Standards and Codes
Michelle L. Wilson, FACI • Defaults
Director, Concrete Knowledge
Portland Cement Association • Introduction to ACI 301-20
• How to Reference ACI 301

ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Goal of Specifications Bad Specifications

• Clear • Confusing
• Single interpretation • Non-Mandatory
• List only mandatory requirements • Too Prescriptive
• Be written so that it cannot be misunderstood
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ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Industry Guide Documents

ACI Committee Reports, Guides, Standard Practices, and
Commentaries are intended for guidance in planning,
designing, executing, and inspecting construction. This
document is intended for the use of individuals who are
competent to evaluate the significance and limitations of
its content and recommendations and who will accept
responsibility for the application of the information it
contains. ACI disclaims any and all responsibility for the
stated principles. The Institute shall not be liable for any
loss or damage arising there from.
Reference to this document shall not be made in contract
documents. If items found in this document are desired by
the Architect/Engineer to be a part of the contract
documents, they shall be restated in mandatory language
for incorporation by the Architect/Engineer.

ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Do You Know Your Defaults?

US Standards:
ACI 318- Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete
ACI 301- Standard Specification for Structural Concrete
ACI 311.6 - Specification for Ready Mixed Concrete Testing Services
ACI 117- Specifications for Tolerances for Concrete Construction
ASTM C94- Standard Specification for Ready-Mixed Concrete
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ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Written to Comply with ACI 318-19, CH 26 Codes and Standards Umbrella

ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Evolution of ACI 301 Quest for Perfection

• ACI 301-xx
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ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

301 Family
Consensus

ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Introducing the New ACI 301-20 MasterFormat

• Reference specification that is written to
Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)
Three Part Format:
• General
• Products
• Execution
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ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Legal Document Main Body

Body of the Specification (53 pages) • Section 1—General requirements
-The Body of the Specification • Section 2—Formwork and formwork accessories
- Gives direction to the Contractor
• Section 3—Reinforcement and reinforcement supports
Checklists • Section 4—Concrete mixtures
Direction to the Specifier (Back pages 53-69) • Section 5—Handling, placing, and constructing
-Mandatory Requirements Checklist
-Optional Requirements Checklist

ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Optional Sections- When Applicable Mandatory Requirements Checklist

• Section 6—Architectural concrete
F4. The Mandatory Requirements Checklist indicates
• Section 7—Lightweight concrete Work requirements regarding specific qualities,
• Section 8—Mass concrete procedures, materials, and performance criteria that
• Section 9—Post-tensioned concrete are not defined in ACI Specification 301-20.
• Section 10—Shrinkage-compensating concrete The Specifier must include these requirements in the
for interior slabs Project Specification.
• Section 11—Industrial floor slabs
• Section 12—Tilt-up construction
• Section 13—Precast structural concrete
• Section 14—Precast architectural concrete
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ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Mandatory Requirements Checklist Optional Requirements Checklist

• Trigger language- ‘specified in Contract Documents’ F5. The Optional Requirements Checklist identifies
Specifier choices and alternatives. The Checklist
- Items requires the Specifier to take action identifies the Sections, Parts, and Articles of the ACI
f’c Reference Specification 301-20 and the action
aggregate size required or available to the Specifier.
tolerance of mesh reinforcement The Specifier should review each of the items in the
Checklist and make adjustments to the needs of a
- Designate specialty sections scope particular project by including those selected
ie: What portions of project are architectural alternatives as mandatory requirements in the
concrete , mass concrete, or post-tensioned. Project Specification.

ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

New Title- Define Scope Section 1-

General Requirements, Definitions and Tolerances
• Scope
• Definitions
• References- ACI, ASTM, Other Industry Documents
• Testing
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ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Definitions Preconstruction Conference

• Optional Checklist
• New definitions included for clarity.
• Review
• Definitions of specialty concrete applications were removed.
• Project Requirements
• A/E’s must designate portions of work meeting special applications
• Acceptance Criteria
such as architectural concrete or mass concrete.
• Responsibilities

ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Internal Curing Shotcrete

• ASTM C1761 • ACI 506.2
• ACI 318-19
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ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Section 2- Section 3-
Formwork and Formwork Accessories Reinforcement and Reinforcement Supports
• Design and Construction • Materials, Fabrication, and Placement
• Movement Joints and Waterstops • WWR
• LDE Optional or Mandated by Jurisdiction • Tolerances- ACI 117-10
• Tolerances- ACI 117-10

ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Section 4-
Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Reinforcing Bars Concrete Mixtures
• 318-19 bars in accordance with ASTM A767/A767M • Materials, Mixture Proportioning, Production, and Delivery
• Lesser thickness permitted in accordance ASTM A1094/A1094M • Specify f’c
• Exposure Class
• Durability Requirements
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ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Self-Consolidating Concrete Minimum Cementitious Requirements

• Requirements for Slump Flow
• Passing Ability- ASTM C1621
• Static Segregation- ASTM C1610

ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Prequalification of Aggregates New Materials

• ASTM C33 • Recycled Aggregates are permitted (ASTM C33) if documentation is
• Alkali Aggregate Reactivity- ASR and ACR provided suitable to A/E.
• ASTM C1293 • Mineral Fillers conforming to ASTM C1797
• ASTM C1567
• ASTM C1260
• ASTM C1778
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ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Modulus of Elasticity Durability Exposure Classifications

• Test Data • Sulfate Exposure Categories
• 318-19 • Chloride limits

ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Section 5- Cold Weather

Handling, Placing, and Constructing • Temperature of Massive Metallic Embedded Items ≥ 10˚F
• Construction Requirements for cast-in Place Concrete • Contact Surface Temperature ≥ 32˚F
• Handling, Placing, Finishing, Curing
• Repair of Surface Defects
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ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Curing by Ponding High Strength Concrete

• Integrate HSC with Floor Systems
• Temperature of Ponding Water Must be at Least ≥ 50˚F
• Extend at Least 2 ft Past Face of Columns and Walls
• Not More than 35˚F Cooler Than Surface Contact Temperature
• Achieve a Monolithic Mass

ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Surface Finish Requirements Adhesive Anchor Requirements

• SF-2 is Default Finish • Horizontally or Upwardly Inclined Holes
• Exposed to View • 21 Day Old Concrete
• Finish requirements updated • Installed by ACI Certified Adhesive Anchor Installers
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ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Section 6- Formwork for Architectural Concrete

Architectural Concrete • Structurally Rated Plywood Bonded to Sanded Hardwood Veneer
• Mandatory Preconstruction Conference • NonPorous Finished Surface
• Mock Ups
• Technical Specialists

ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Section 7- Lightweight Concrete Section 8- Mass Concrete

• Meet Equilibrium Density- ASTM C567 • Thermal Control Plan
• Density Tolerances ±4 lb/ft3 • Maximum Temperature and Temperature Difference
• DEF
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ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Thermal Control Plan Section 9- Post-Tensioned Concrete

• Cementitious Material Restrictions Removed • Structural Design of PT
• Allows Changes to Materials Without Updates • LDE

ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Encapsulated Tendons Section 10-

• Non-Encapsulated Tendons Prohibited
Shrinkage-Compensating Concrete for Interior Slabs
• Slabs on ground exposed to external sources of chlorides • Cementitious Materials- ASTM C845
• Stressing pockets are subject to wetting or direct contact with soil
• Reinforcement Requirements
• Cutting of Tendons
• Isolation Joints
• Expansion Test Results- ASTM C878
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ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Section 11- Industrial Floor Slabs Joint Fillers

• 100% Solids
• Drying Shrinkage Test Results- ASTM C157
• Shore A Hardness of at least 85%- ASTM D2240
• Elongation below 90%- ASTM D638

ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Section 12- Tilt-up Construction Smooth Panel Finishes

• Mock Ups • SPF-2 Finish Required
• 2 Panels, at least 4 ft x 8 ft • Visibility of Panels
• Lifting and Bracing Design Drawings • Repair Scope and Method
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ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Sections 13 and 14-

Precast Structural Concrete and Fabricator Qualifications
Precast Architectural Concrete • Alternative Certification Program from NPCA
• Applicable to Structural Precast Products (non prestressed)
• Aligned with PCI
• MNL-116 and MNL-117
• Erector QC, Plant QC
• Fabricators Qualifications

ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

How to Reference ACI 301 Read ACI 301-20

• Work on (Project Title) shall conform to all
• Avoid Confusion
requirements of ACI 301-20, “Specifications for
Structural Concrete,” published by the American • Know what’s written
Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, Michigan, • Do you know your defaults?
except as modified by these Contract Documents.

This is not sufficient!

Must also handle Mandatory Checklist and
consider Optional Checklist within Contract Documents
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ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction

Be Clear on Desired Outcome Further Information

Michelle L. Wilson
Specifications should have the
right “hoops” to jump through Director, Concrete Knowledge
to get the performance
required for service conditions.
Use ACI 301 [email protected]
www.cement.org

ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction