ACI CCS-0

Abstract

<strong>PREFACE</strong><br>This is the fourth booklet in the Concrete Craftsman Series published by the American Concrete Institute. This booklet is intended for anyone who wants a simple introduction to concrete and concrete construction. Craftsmen in the concrete field may find it particularly useful as a guide for good practice.<br>The first booklet in this series, <em>Slabs on Grade, CCS-1</em> covered good construction practices for slabs. The second booklet, <em>Cast-in-Place Walls, CCS-2</em> described formwork, reinforcement, placing of concrete, curing, and wall finishes. The third booklet, <em>Supported Beams and Slabs, CCS-3</em> provided technical background on such subjects as shoring, reshoring, form removal, reinforcement placement, and concrete placing, finishing, and curing.<br>Since this book went back to cover the fundamentals, it is numbered accordingly. <em>Concrete Fundamentals,</em> <em>CCS-0</em> starts with the most basic question of all, &#8220;What is concrete?&#8221; Sections then cover materials, basic construction practices, and testing. This booklet is the perfect starting point for someone in the concrete industry, whether they be an apprentice, a journeyman, a foreman, a material supplier, or even a young engineer without field experience. This booklet is not a design aid but rather a guide to good practice.<br>The design of concrete structures is the responsibility of a professional engineer. Designs are usually reviewed and approved by local building authorities and are governed by codes such as the Uniform Building Code, Standard Building Code, BOCA Code, or others which usually reference the &#8220;ACI Building Code for Reinforced Concrete, ACI 318.&#8221; This booklet is not a replacement for any of these documents. It must be kept in mind that plans and specifications for a specific project, and local building code requirements in any area, must be followed, even if they differ from the information in this booklet.