ACI 318-14 Chapter 5 Code & Commentary, Approved Version, Revised 2013-01-18

1 NOTES: This version of Chapter 5 includes the following:

2 1. Approved version of 27 July 2011.
3 2. Changes approved for ACI 318-11.
4 3. Technical changes approved under CA 116.
5 4. Editorial changes approved under CA 115.
6 5. Commentary as approved on 318 LB 12-4.
7 6. Technical changes as approved under CA 120.
8 7. Section renumbering changes to make the chapter consistent.
9
10 CHAPTER 2 (partial) – NOTATION AND TERMINOLOGY
11
12 2.2 – Notation
13
14 fcm = measured average compressive strength of concrete, psi
15
16 fct = measured average splitting tensile strength of lightweight concrete, psi
17
18
19
20 CHAPTER 5 — CONCRETE: DESIGN AND DURABILITY
21 REQUIREMENTS
22
23 5.1 — Scope
24
25 5.1.1 — The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to the design properties and
26 durability requirements for concrete. <~>
27
28 5.2 — Concrete design properties
29
30 5.2.1 -- Specified compressive strength
31
32 5.2.1.1 — The value of f’c shall be specified in contract documents and
33 shall be in accordance with (a), (b), and (c): <1.1.1> <4.1.1> <19.3.1>
34 <21.1.4.2> <21.1.4.3> <22.2.3> <5.1.1>
35 (a) Limits in Table 5.2.1.1;

36 (b) Durability requirements in Table 5.3.2.1;

37 (c) Structural strength requirements.

38

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 ACI 318-14 Chapter 5 Code & Commentary, Approved Version, Revised 2013-01-18

39 Table 5.2.1.1 — Limits for fc

Minimum Maximum
Application Concrete fc, psi fc , psi
Normalweight
General and 2500 None
lightweight
Special Normalweight 3000 None
moment
frames
and
special Lightweight 3000 5000*
structura
l walls
*The limit is permitted to be exceeded where
demonstrated by experimental evidence that members
made with lightweight concrete provide strength and
toughness equal to or exceeding those of comparable
members made with normalweight concrete of the same
strength. <21.1.4.3>
40
41 5.2.1.2 — The specified compressive strength shall be used for mixture
42 proportioning in 22.4 and for testing and acceptance of concrete in 22.5.
43 <5.1.1>
44
45 5.2.1.3 — Unless otherwise specified, fc shall be based on 28-day tests. If
46 other than 28 days, test age for fc shall be indicated in the contract
47 documents. <5.1.3>
48
49 R5.2.1 – Specified compressive strength
50
51 Requirements for concrete mixtures are based on the philosophy that concrete should provide
52 both adequate strength and durability. The Code defines a minimum value of fc for structural
53 concrete. There is no limit on the maximum value of fc except as required by specific Code
54 provisions. <R5.1, Code 1.1.1>
55
56 Concrete mixtures proportioned in accordance with 22.4 should achieve an average compressive
57 strength that exceeds the value of fc used in the structural design calculations. The amount by
58 which the average strength of concrete exceeds fc is based on probabilistic concepts. When
59 concrete is designed to achieve a strength level greater than fc, it ensures that the concrete
60 strength tests will have a high probability of meeting the strength acceptance criteria in 22.5. The
61 durability requirements prescribed in Table 5.3.2.1 are to be satisfied in addition to meeting the
62 minimum fc of 5.2.1. Under some circumstances, durability requirements may dictate a higher fc
63 than that required for structural purposes. <R5.1.1>
64

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 ACI 318-14 Chapter 5 Code & Commentary, Approved Version, Revised 2013-01-18

65 For design of special moment frames and special structural walls used to resist earthquake
66 forces, the Code limits the maximum specified compressive strength of lightweight concrete to
67 5000 psi. This limit is imposed primarily because of a paucity of experimental and field data on
68 the behavior of members made with lightweight concrete subjected to displacement reversals in
69 the nonlinear range. <R21.1.4>
70
71
72 5.2.2 — Modulus of elasticity
73
74 5.2.2.1 — Modulus of elasticity, Ec, for concrete shall be permitted to be
75 calculated as (a) or (b). <8.5.1>
76
77 (a) For values of wc between 90 and 160 lb/ft3
78
79 Ec = wc1.533√f’c (in psi) (5.2.2.1.a)
80
81 (b) For normalweight concrete
82
83 Ec = 57,000 √f’c (in psi) (5.2.2.1.b)
84
85 R5.2.2 – Modulus of elasticity
86
87 Studies leading to the expression for modulus of elasticity of concrete in 5.2.2 are summarized in
88 Reference 5.1 where Ec was defined as the slope of the line drawn from a stress of zero to a
89 compressive stress of 0.45 f’c. The modulus of elasticity for concrete is sensitive to the modulus
90 of elasticity of aggregate and mixture proportions of the concrete. Measured elastic modulus
91 values can range from 80 to 120 percent of calculated values. ASTM C4695.2 provides a test
92 method for determining the modulus of elasticity for concrete in compression. <R8.5.1>
93
94 5.2.3 — Modulus of rupture
95
96 5.2.3.1 — Modulus of rupture, fr, for concrete shall be calculated by:
97 <9.5.2.3>
98
99 fr = 7.5λ√f’c (5.2.3.1)
100
101 where the value of λ is in accordance with 5.2.4. <~>
102
103 5.2.4 — Lightweight concrete
104
105 5.2.4.1 —To account for the properties of lightweight concrete, a
106 modification factor λ is used as a multiplier of √f’c in all applicable
107 provisions of this Code. The value of λ shall be based on the composition
108 of the aggregate in the concrete mixture in accordance with Table 5.2.4.1
109 or as permitted in 5.2.4.2. <8.6.1> <22.5.6.1>

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 ACI 318-14 Chapter 5 Code & Commentary, Approved Version, Revised 2013-01-18

110
111
112 Table 5.2.4.1 — Modification factor λ
113
Concrete Composition of aggregates Λ

All-lightweight Fine: ASTM C330 0.75

Coarse: ASTM C330
Lightweight, fine Fine: Combination of ASTM 0.75 to 0.85*
blend C330 and C33
Coarse: ASTM C330
Sand-lightweight Fine: ASTM C33 0.85
Coarse: ASTM C330
Sand-lightweight, Fine: ASTM C33 0.85 to 1.00†
coarse blend Coarse: Combination of ASTM
C330 and C33
Normalweight Fine: ASTM C33 1.00
Coarse: ASTM C33
*Linear interpolation from 0.75 to 0.85 is permitted based on the absolute
volume of normalweight fine aggregate as a fraction of the total absolute
volume of fine aggregate.
†Linear interpolation from 0.85 to 1.00 is permitted based on the absolute
volume of normalweight coarse aggregate as a fraction of the total
absolute volume of coarse aggregate. <8.6.1>
114
115
116 5.2.4.2 — If the measured average splitting tensile strength of lightweight
117 concrete, fct, is used to calculate λ, laboratory tests shall be conducted in
118 accordance with ASTM C330 to establish the value of fct and
119 corresponding value of fcm and λ shall be calculated by: <5.1.4> <8.6.1>
120
fct
121 λ= ≤ 1.0 (5.2.4.2)
'
6.7 fc
122
123 NOTE: replace f’c with fcm in this equation.
124
125 The concrete mixture tested in order to calculate λ shall be representative
126 of that to be used in the work.
127
128 R5.2.4 — Lightweight concrete
129 The modification factor λ is used to account for the lower tensile-to-compressive strength ratio of
130 lightweight concrete compared with normalweight concrete. For design using lightweight
131 concrete, shear strength, friction properties, splitting resistance, bond between concrete and

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 ACI 318-14 Chapter 5 Code & Commentary, Approved Version, Revised 2013-01-18

132 reinforcement, and development length requirements are not taken as equivalent to normalweight
133 concrete of the same compressive strength. <R8.6.1>
134
135 Two alternative procedures are provided to determine λ. The first alternative is based on the
136 assumption that, for equivalent compressive strength levels, the tensile strength of lightweight
137 concrete is a fixed fraction of the tensile strength of normalweight concrete.5.3 The multipliers
138 used for λ are based on data from tests on concrete made with many types of structural
139 lightweight aggregate. <R8.6.1>
140
141 The second alternative procedure to determine λ is based on laboratory tests of lightweight
142 concrete with aggregate source and compressive strength representative of that to be used in the
143 Work. The laboratory tests performed in accordance with ASTM C330 provide a measured
144 average splitting tensile strength fct and a measured average compressive strength fcm for the
145 lightweight concrete. The value of λ is determined using Eq. 5.2.4.2, which is based on the
146 assumption that the average splitting tensile strength of normalweight concrete is equal to
147 6.7√fcm.5.3,5.4 <R8.6.1>
148
149
150 5.3 — Concrete durability requirements
151
152 5.3.1 — Exposure categories and classes
153
154 5.3.1.1 -- The licensed design professional shall assign exposure classes
155 in accordance with the severity of the anticipated exposure of members for
156 each exposure category in Table 5.3.1.1. <4.2.1>
157
158

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 ACI 318-14 Chapter 5 Code & Commentary, Approved Version, Revised 2013-01-18

159 Table 5.3.1.1 — Exposure categories and classes

Category Severity Class Condition
Concrete not exposed to freezing-and-thawing
Not applicable F0
cycles
Concrete exposed to freezing-and-thawing
Moderate F1
cycles and occasional exposure to moisture
Freezing and
Concrete exposed to freezing-and-thawing
thawing (F) Severe F2
cycles and in continuous contact with moisture
Concrete exposed to freezing-and-thawing
Very severe F3 cycles and in continuous contact with moisture
and exposed to deicing chemicals
Water-soluble sulfate Dissolved Sulfate
( ) in soil, percent ( ) in water,
by mass* ppm†
Not applicable S0 < 0.10 < 150
Sulfate (S) 150 ≤ < 1500
Moderate S1 0.10 ≤ < 0.20
or seawater
1500 ≤ ≤
Severe S2 0.20 ≤ ≤ 2.00
10,000
Very severe S3 > 2.00 >10,000
Requiring low In contact with water where low permeability is
Not applicable P0
permeability not required
(P) In contact with water where low permeability is
Required P1
required
Not applicable C0 Concrete dry or protected from moisture
Corrosion Concrete exposed to moisture but not to an
Moderate C1
protection of external source of chlorides
reinforcement Concrete exposed to moisture and an external
(C) source of chlorides from deicing chemicals,
Severe C2
salt, brackish water, seawater, or spray from
these sources
160 * Percent sulfate by mass in soil shall be determined by ASTM C1580
161 † Concentration of dissolved sulfates in water in ppm shall be determined by ASTM D516 or
162 ASTM D4130
163
164
165 5.3.2 — Requirements for concrete mixtures
166
167 5.3.2.1 -- Based on the exposure classes assigned from Table 5.3.1.1,
168 concrete mixtures shall conform to the most restrictive requirements in
169 Table 5.3.2.1. <4.3.1>
170
171

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172 R5.3 — Concrete durability requirements

173
174 Durability of concrete is impacted by the resistance to fluid penetration. This is primarily
175 affected by w/cm and the composition of cementitious materials used in concrete. For a given
176 w/cm, the use of fly ash, slag cement, silica fume, or a combination of these materials will
177 typically increase concrete’s resistance to fluid penetration and thus improve concrete durability.
178 The Code places emphasis on w/cm for achieving low permeability to meet durability
179 requirements. ASTM C12025.5 can be used to provide an indication of concrete’s resistance to
180 fluid penetration. <R4.1, R4.3.1>
181
182 Because it is difficult to verify accurately the w/cm of concrete, the selected value of f’c should
183 be consistent with the maximum w/cm required for durability. Selection of an f’c that is
184 consistent with the maximum permitted w/cm required for durability will permit results of
185 strength tests to be used as a surrogate for w/cm, and thus help ensure that the maximum w/cm is
186 not exceeded in the field. <R4.1.1>
187
188 As stated in the footnote to Table 5.3.2.1, maximum w/cm limits are not specified for lightweight
189 concrete because the amount of mixing water that is absorbed by the lightweight aggregates
190 makes calculation of w/cm uncertain. Therefore, the requirement for a minimum f’c, is used to
191 ensure a high-quality cement paste. <R4.1.2>
192
193 Exposure categories defined in Table 5.3.1.1 are subdivided into exposure classes depending on
194 the severity of the exposure. Associated requirements for concrete relative to the exposure
195 classes are provided in 5.3.2. <R4.2.1>
196
197 The Code does not include provisions for especially severe exposures, such as acids or high
198 temperatures. <R4.2>
199
200 R5.3.1 — Exposure categories and classes
201
202 The Code addresses four exposure categories that affect the requirements for concrete to ensure
203 adequate durability: <All in R5.3.1 from R4.2.1>
204
205 Exposure Category F applies to exterior concrete that is exposed to moisture and cycles of
206 freezing and thawing, with or without deicing chemicals.
207
208 Exposure Category S applies to concrete in contact with soil or water containing deleterious
209 amounts of water-soluble sulfate ions.
210
211 Exposure Category P applies to concrete in contact with water where low permeability is
212 required.
213
214 Exposure Category C applies to nonprestressed and prestressed concrete exposed to conditions
215 that require additional protection against corrosion of reinforcement.
216

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217 Severity of exposure within each category is defined by classes with increasing numerical values
218 representing increasingly severe exposure conditions. A classification of “0” is assigned if the
219 exposure severity has negligible effect (is benign) or the exposure category does not apply to the
220 member.
221
222 Exposure Category F is subdivided into four exposure classes: Exposure Class F0 is assigned to
223 concrete that will not be exposed to cycles of freezing and thawing. Exposure Class F1 is
224 assigned to concrete exposed to cycles of freezing and thawing and that will be occasionally
225 exposed to moisture before freezing. Examples of Exposure Class F1 are exterior walls, beams,
226 girders, and slabs not in direct contact with soil. Exposure Class F2 is assigned to concrete
227 exposed to cycles of freezing and thawing that is in continuous contact with moisture before
228 freezing. Examples are an exterior water tank or vertical members in contact with soil. Exposure
229 Classes F1 and F2 are conditions where exposure to deicing salt is not anticipated. Exposure
230 Class F3 is assigned to concrete exposed to cycles of freezing and thawing, in continuous contact
231 with moisture, and where exposure to deicing chemicals is anticipated. Examples are horizontal
232 members in parking structures.
233
234 Exposure Category S is subdivided into four exposure classes: Exposure Class S0 is assigned
235 for conditions where the water-soluble sulfate concentration in contact with concrete is low and
236 injurious sulfate attack is not a concern. Exposure Classes S1, S2, and S3 are assigned for
237 structural concrete members in direct contact with soluble sulfates in soil or water. The severity
238 of exposure increases from Exposure Class S1 to S3 based on the more critical value of
239 measured water-soluble sulfate concentration in soil or the concentration of dissolved sulfate in
240 water. Sea water exposure is classified as Exposure Class S1.
241
242 Exposure Category P is subdivided into two exposure classes: Members are assigned to
243 Exposure Class P0 if they are dry in service, exposed to moisture or in contact with water, but
244 there are no specific requirements for low permeability. Exposure Class P1 is assigned if there is
245 need for concrete with low permeability to water when the permeation of water into concrete
246 might reduce durability or affect the intended function of the member. An example is an interior
247 water tank.
248
249 Exposure Category C is subdivided into three exposure classes: Exposure Class C0 is assigned
250 when exposure conditions do not require additional protection against the initiation of corrosion
251 of reinforcement. Exposure Classes C1 and C2 are assigned to nonprestressed and prestressed
252 concrete members depending on the degree of exposure to external sources of moisture and
253 chlorides in service. Examples of exposures to external sources of chlorides include concrete in
254 direct contact with deicing chemicals, salt, salt water, brackish water, seawater, or spray from
255 these sources.
256
257

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 ACI 318-14 Chapter 5 Code & Commentary, Approved Version, Revised 2013-01-18

258 Table 5.3.2.1 — Requirements for concrete by exposure class

Additional requirements
Exposure Max. Min
Limits on cementitious
Class w/cm* f’c, psi Air content
materials
F0 N/A 2500 N/A N/A
F1 0.45 4500 Table 5.3.3.1 N/A
F2 0.45 4500 Table 5.3.3.1 N/A
F3 0.45 4500 Table 5.3.3.1 Table 5.3.3.2
Cementitious materials† - Types
Calcium chloride
ASTM ASTM ASTM
admixture
C150 C595 C1157
No Type No Type No Type
S0 N/A 2500 No restriction
restriction restriction restriction
IP (MS),
S1 0.50 4000 IIठIS (<70) MS No restriction
(MS)
IP (HS)
S2 0.45 4500 V§ IS (<70) HS Not permitted
(HS)
IP (HS)
plus
pozzolan
or slag
V plus HS plus
cement||
pozzolan pozzolan
S3 0.45 4500 or Not permitted
or slag or slag
|| IS (<70)
cement cement||
(HS) plus
pozzolan
or slag
cement||

P0 N/A 2500 None

P1 0.50 4000 None
Maximum water-soluble chloride ion
(Cl-) content in concrete, percent by
Additional
weight of cement#
provisions
Nonprestressed Prestressed
concrete concrete
C0 N/A 2500 1.00 0.06
None
C1 N/A 2500 0.30 0.06
C2 0.40 5000 0.15 0.06 Concrete cover**
259
*
260 The maximum w/cm limits in Table 5.3.2.1 do not apply to lightweight concrete. <4.1.2>

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†
261 Alternative combinations of cementitious materials to those listed in Table 5.3.2.1 are permitted
262 when tested for sulfate resistance and meeting the criteria in 5.3.4.1. <Table 4.3.1>
‡
263 For seawater exposure, other types of portland cements with tricalcium aluminate (C3A)
264 contents up to 10 percent are permitted if the w/cm does not exceed 0.40. <Table 4.3.1>
§
265 Other available types of cement such as Type I or Type III are permitted in Exposure Classes S1
266 or S2 if the C3A contents are less than 8 percent for Exposure Class S1 or less than 5 percent for
267 Exposure Class S2. <Table 4.3.1>
||
268 The amount of the specific source of the pozzolan or slag cement to be used shall be at least the
269 amount that has been determined by service record to improve sulfate resistance when used in
270 concrete containing Type V cement. Alternatively, the amount of the specific source of the
271 pozzolan or slag cement to be used shall be at least the amount tested in accordance with ASTM
272 C1012 and meeting the criteria in 5.3.4.1. <Table 4.3.1>
#
273 Water-soluble chloride ion content that is contributed from the ingredients including water,
274 aggregates, cementitious materials, and admixtures shall be determined on the concrete mixture
275 by ASTM C1218 at age between 28 and 42 days. <Table 4.3.1>
276 **Concrete cover shall be in accordance with 6.10.5. <Table 4.3.1>
277
278 R5.3.2 — Requirements for concrete mixtures
279
280 Table 5.3.2.1 provides the requirements for concrete on the basis of the assigned exposure
281 classes. The most restrictive requirements are applicable. For example, a prestressed concrete
282 member assigned to Exposure Class C2 and Exposure Class F3 would require concrete to
283 comply with a maximum w/cm of 0.40 and minimum fc′ of 5000 psi. In this case, the
284 requirement for corrosion protection (C2) is more restrictive than the requirement for resistance
285 to freezing and thawing. <All in R5.3.2 from R4.3.1>
286
287 Exposure Classes F1, F2, and F3: In addition to complying with a maximum w/cm limit and a
288 minimum fc, concrete for members subject to freezing-and-thawing exposures is to be air
289 entrained in accordance with 5.3.3.1. Members assigned to Exposure Class F3 are additionally
290 required to comply with the limitations on the quantity of pozzolans and slag cement in the
291 composition of the cementitious materials as given in 5.3.3.4.
292
293 Exposure Classes S1, S2, and S3: Table 5.3.2.1 lists the appropriate types of cement and the
294 maximum w/cm and minimum specified compressive strengths for various sulfate exposure
295 conditions. In selecting cement for sulfate resistance, the principal consideration is its tricalcium
296 aluminate (C3A) content. For Exposure Class S1 (moderate exposure), Type II cement is limited
297 to a maximum C3A content of 8.0 percent under ASTM C150. The blended cements under
298 ASTM C595 with the MS designation are appropriate for use in Exposure Class S1. The
299 appropriate types under ASTM C595 are IP(MS) and IS(<70)(MS) and under ASTM C1157 it is
300 Type MS. For Exposure Class S2 (severe exposure), Type V cement with a C3A content of up to
301 5 percent is specified. Blended cements Types IP (HS) and IS (<70) (HS) under ASTM C595
302 and Type HS under ASTM C1157 can also be used. In certain areas, the C3A content of other
303 available types such as Type III or Type I may be less than 8 or 5 percent and are usable in
304 moderate or severe sulfate exposures. Note that sulfate-resisting cement will not increase
305 resistance to some chemically aggressive solutions, for example, sulfuric acid. The project
306 specifications should explicitly cover all cases.

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307
308 The use of fly ash (ASTM C618, Class F), natural pozzolans (ASTM C618, Class N), silica fume
309 (ASTM C1240), or slag cement (ASTM C989) also has been shown to improve the sulfate
310 resistance of concrete.5.6-5.8 ASTM C1012 can be used to evaluate the sulfate resistance of
311 mixtures using combinations of cementitious materials as determined in 5.3.4. For Exposure
312 Class S3, the alternative allows the use of Type V plus pozzolan, slag cement, or blended
313 cement, based on records of successful service, instead of meeting the testing requirements of
314 5.3.4.
315
316 Seawater is listed under Exposure Class S1 (moderate exposure) in Table 5.3.1.1, even though it
317 generally contains more than 1500 ppm SO4. Portland cement with higher C3A content improves
318 binding of chlorides present in seawater and the Code permits other types of portland cement
319 with C3A up to 10 percent if the maximum w/cm is limited to 0.40 (see footnote to the table.)
320
321 In addition to the proper selection of cementitious materials, other requirements for durable
322 concrete exposed to water-soluble sulfates are essential, such as low w/cm, strength, adequate
323 consolidation, uniformity, adequate cover of reinforcement, and sufficient moist curing to
324 develop the potential properties of the concrete.
325
326 Exposure Class P1: The Code includes an Exposure Class P1 for concrete that needs to have a
327 low permeability when in direct contact with water. The primary means to obtain low
328 permeability is to use a low w/cm. For a given w/cm, permeability can be reduced by optimizing
329 the cementitious materials used in the concrete mixture.
330
331 Exposure Class C2: For nonprestressed and prestressed concrete in Exposure Class C2, the
332 maximum w/cm, minimum specified compressive strength, and minimum cover are the basic
333 requirements to be considered. Conditions should be evaluated for structures exposed to
334 chlorides, such as in parking structures where chlorides may be tracked in by vehicles, or in
335 structures near seawater. Coated reinforcement, corrosion-resistant steel reinforcement, and
336 cover greater than the minimum required in 6.11.5 can provide additional protection under such
337 conditions. Use of slag cement meeting ASTM C989 or fly ash meeting ASTM C618 and
338 increased levels of specified compressive strength provide increased protection. Use of silica
339 fume meeting ASTM C1240 with an appropriate high-range water reducer, ASTM C494, Types
340 F and G, or ASTM C1017 can also provide additional protection.5.9 The use of ASTM C1202 to
341 test concrete mixtures proposed for use will provide additional information on the performance
342 of the mixtures.
343
344 Chloride Limits for Exposure Category C: For Exposure Classes C0, C1, and C2, the chloride
345 ion limits apply. For nonprestressed concrete, the permitted maximum amount of water-soluble
346 chloride ions incorporated into the concrete, measured by ASTM C1218 at ages between 28 and
347 42 days, depends on the degree of exposure to an anticipated external source of moisture and
348 chlorides. For prestressed concrete, the same limit of 0.06 percent chloride ion by mass of
349 cement applies regardless of exposure.
350
351 Additional information on the effects of chlorides on the corrosion of steel reinforcing is given in
352 ACI 201.2R,5.10 which provides guidance on concrete durability, and ACI 222R,5.11 which

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353 provides guidance on factors that impact corrosion of metals in concrete. An initial evaluation of
354 the chloride ion content of the proposed concrete mixture may be obtained by testing individual
355 concrete ingredients for total chloride ion content. If total chloride ion content, calculated on the
356 basis of concrete proportions, exceeds those permitted in Table 5.3.2.1, it may be necessary to
357 test samples of the hardened concrete for water-soluble chloride ion content. Some of the
358 chloride ions present in the ingredients will either be insoluble in water or will react with the
359 cement during hydration and become insoluble under the test procedures described in ASTM
360 C1218.
361
362 When concretes are tested for water-soluble chloride ion content, the tests should be made at an
363 age of 28 to 42 days. The limits in Table 5.3.2.1 are to be applied to chlorides contributed from
364 the concrete ingredients, not those from the environment surrounding the concrete. For
365 nonprestresed concrete that will be dry in service (Exposure Class C0), a limit of 1.00 percent
366 has been included to control the water-soluble chlorides introduced by concrete-making
367 materials.
368
369 5.3.3 — Additional requirements for freezing and thawing exposure
370
371 5.3.3.1 — Normalweight and lightweight concrete subject to freezing and
372 thawing Exposure Classes F1, F2, or F3 shall be air entrained with air
373 content indicated in Table 5.3.3.1. <4.4.1>
374
375 5.3.3.2 – Tolerance on air content as delivered is ± 1.5 percentage points.
376 <4.4.1>
377
378 5.3.3.3 – For f’c exceeding 5000 psi, reduction of air content indicated in
379 Table 5.3.3.1 by 1.0 percentage point is permitted. <4.4.1>
380
381
382 Table 5.3.3.1 — Total air content for concrete exposed to cycles of
383 freezing and thawing
384
Nominal maximum Target air content, percent
aggregate size,* in. F1 F2 and F3
3/8 6 7.5
½ 5.5 7
¾ 5 6
1 4.5 6
1-1/2 4.5 5.5
†
2 4 5
†
3 3.5 4.5
*Refer to ASTM C33 for tolerance on oversize for
various nominal maximum size designations.

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†
Air contents apply to total mixture. When testing
concretes, however, aggregate particles larger than 1-
1/2 in. are removed by sieving and air content is
measured on the sieved fraction. Air content of the
total mixture is calculated from value measured on the
sieved fraction passing the 1-1/2 in. sieve in
accordance with ASTM C231. The tolerance on air
content as delivered applies to this value.
385
386 R5.3.3 — Additional requirements for freezing and thawing exposure
387
388 R5.3.3.1 — A table of required air contents for concrete to resist damage from cycles of freezing
389 and thawing is included in the Code, based on guidance provided for proportioning concrete
390 mixtures in ACI 211.1.5.12 Entrained air will not protect concrete containing coarse aggregates
391 that undergo disruptive volume changes when frozen in a saturated condition. <R4.4.1>
392
393 R5.3.3.3 – This section permits a 1.0 percentage point lower air content for concrete with fc′
394 greater than 5000 psi. Such higher strength concretes, which have a lower w/cm and porosity,
395 have greater resistance to cycles of freezing and thawing. <R4.4.1>
396
397
398 5.3.3.4 — The maximum percentage of pozzolans, including fly ash, silica
399 fume, and slag cement in concrete subject to Exposure Class F3, shall be
400 in accordance with Table 5.3.3.4. <4.4.2>
401
402 Table 5.3.3.4 — Limits on cementitious materials for concrete subject
403 to Exposure Class F3
404
Maximum percent of
total cementitious
Cementitious materials materials by weight*
Fly ash or other pozzolans
25
conforming to ASTM C618
Slag cement conforming to ASTM
50
C989
Silica fume conforming to ASTM
10
C1240
Total of fly ash or other pozzolans
35†
and silica fume
Total of fly ash or other pozzolans,
50†
slag cement, and silica fume

*The total cementitious material also includes ASTM C150,

C595, C845, and C1157 cement. The maximum percentages
above include:
(a) Fly ash or other pozzolans in Type IP, blended

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 ACI 318-14 Chapter 5 Code & Commentary, Approved Version, Revised 2013-01-18

cement, ASTM C595, or ASTM C1157;

(b) Slag cement used in the manufacture of an IS
blended cement, ASTM C595, or ASTM C1157; and
(c) Silica fume, ASTM C1240, present in a blended
cement.
†Fly ash or other pozzolans and silica fume shall constitute no
more than 25 and 10 percent, respectively, of the total mass of
the cementitious materials.
405
406 R5.3.3.4 — To reduce the risk of deicer scaling, Table 5.3.3.4 establishes
407 limitations on the amount of fly ash, other pozzolans, silica fume, and slag cement
408 that can be included in concrete exposed to deicing chemicals (Exposure Class
409 F3) based on research studies.5.13,5.14 The limitations in Table 5.3.3.4 are not
410 applicable to members assigned to Exposure Class C2 unless those members are
411 also in Exposure Class F3. <R4.4.2>
412
413
414 5.3.4 — Alternative combinations of cementitious materials for sulfate
415 exposure
416
417 5.3.4.1 — Alternative combinations of cementitious materials to those
418 listed in 5.3.2 are permitted when tested for sulfate resistance and
419 meeting the criteria in Table 5.3.4.1. <4.5.1>
420
421 Table 5.3.4.1 — Requirements for establishing suitability of combinations
422 of cementitious materials exposed to water-soluble sulfate
423
Maximum expansion strain when tested using ASTM
Exposure C1012
class
At 6 months At 12 months At 18 months
S1 0.10 percent Not required Not required
S2 0.05 percent 0.10 percent* Not required
S3 Not required Not required 0.10 percent
*The 12-month expansion limit applies only when the measured
expansion exceeds the 6-month maximum expansion limit.
424
425 R5.3.4 — Alternative combinations of cementitious materials for sulfate exposure
426
427 R5.3.4.1 — ASTM C1012 is permitted to be used to evaluate the sulfate resistance of concrete
428 mixtures using alternative combinations of cementitious materials to those listed in Table 5.3.2.1
429 for all classes of sulfate exposure. More detailed guidance on qualification of such mixtures
430 using ASTM C1012 is given in ACI 201.2R.5.10 The expansion criteria in Table 5.3.4.1, for
431 testing according to ASTM C1012, are the same as those in ASTM C595 for moderate sulfate

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 ACI 318-14 Chapter 5 Code & Commentary, Approved Version, Revised 2013-01-18

432 resistance (Optional Designation MS) in Exposure Class S1 and for high sulfate resistance
433 (Optional Designation HS) in Exposure Class S2, and the same as in ASTM C1157 for Type MS
434 in Exposure Class S1 and Type HS in Exposure Class S2. <R4.5.1>
435
436
437
438
439 COMMENTARY REFERENCES
440
441 Chapter 5
442
443 5.1. Pauw, A., “Static Modulus of Elasticity of Concrete as Affected by Density,” ACI
444 JOURNAL, Proceedings V. 57, No. 6, Dec. 1960, pp. 679-687.
445
446 5.2. ASTM C469/C469M-10, “Standard Test Method for Static Modulus of Elasticity and
447 Poisson’s Ratio of Concrete in Compression,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 5
448 pp.
449
450 5.3. Ivey, D. L., and Buth, E., “Shear Capacity of Lightweight Concrete Beams,” ACI
451 JOURNAL, Proceedings V. 64, No. 10, Oct. 1967, pp. 634-643.
452
453 5.4. Hanson, J. A., “Tensile Strength and Diagonal Tension Resistance of Structural Lightweight
454 Concrete,” ACI JOURNAL, Proceedings V. 58, No. 1, July 1961, pp. 1-40.
455
456 5.5. ASTM C1202-10, “Standard Test Method for Electrical Indication of Concrete’s Ability to
457 Resist Chloride Ion Penetration,” ASTM Book of Standards, Part 04.02, ASTM, West
458 Conshohocken, PA, 7 pp.
459
460 5.6. Li, S., and Roy, D. M., “Investigation of Relations between Porosity, Pore Structure and CL
461 Diffusion of Fly Ash and Blended Cement Pastes,” Cement and Concrete Research, V. 16, No. 5,
462 Sept. 1986, pp. 749-759.
463
464 5.6. ACI Committee 233, “Slag Cement in Concrete and Mortar (ACI 233R-03),” American
465 Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2003, 19 pp.
466
467 5.8. ACI Committee 234, “Guide for the Use of Silica Fume in Concrete (ACI 234R-06),”
468 American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2006, 63 pp.
469
470 5.9. Ozyildirim, C., and Halstead, W., “Resistance to Chloride Ion Penetration of Concretes
471 Containing Fly Ash, Silica Fume, or Slag,” Permeability of Concrete, SP-108, American
472 Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 1988, pp. 35-61.
473
474 5.10. ACI Committee 201, “Guide to Durable Concrete (ACI 201.2R-08),” American Concrete
475 Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2008, 49 pp.
476

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477 5.11. ACI Committee 222, “Protection of Metals in Concrete Against Corrosion (ACI 222R-
478 01),” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2001, 41 pp.
479
480 5.12. ACI Committee 211, “Standard Practice for Selecting Proportions for Normal,
481 Heavyweight, and Mass Concrete (ACI 211.1-91) (Reapproved 2009),” American Concrete
482 Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 1991, 38 pp.
483
484 5.13. Drahushak-Crow, R., “Freeze-Thaw Durability of Fly Ash Concrete,” EPRI Proceedings,
485 Eighth International Ash Utilization Symposium, V. 2, Oct. 1987, p. 37-1.
486
487 5.14. Whiting, D., “Deicer Scaling and Resistance of Lean Concretes Containing Fly Ash,” Fly
488 Ash, Silica Fume, Slag, and Natural Pozzolans in Concrete, SP-114, American Concrete
489 Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 1989, pp. 349-372.
490
491 End of Commentary References, Chapter 5
492
493
494 The following are referenced in the commentary but are also referenced in the code.
495
496 ASTM C150/C150M-09, “Standard Specification for Portland Cement,” ASTM International,
497 West Conshohocken, PA, 10 pp.
498
499 ASTM C595/C595M-10, “Standard Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements,” ASTM
500 International, West Conshohocken, PA, 8 pp.
501
502 ASTM C1157/C1157M-10, “Standard Performance Specification for Hydraulic Cement,” ASTM
503 International, West Conshohocken, PA, 5 pp.
504
505 ASTM C618-08a, “Standard Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural
506 Pozzolan for Use in Concrete,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 4 pp.
507
508 ASTM C1240-10a, Standard Specification for Silica Fume Used in Cementitious Mixtures,”
509 ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 7 pp.
510
511 ASTM C989-10, “Standard Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars,”
512 ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 6 pp.
513
514 ASTM C494/C494M-10a, “Standard Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete,”
515 ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 10 pp.
516
517 ASTM C1017/C1017M-07, “Standard Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Use in
518 Producing Flowing Concrete,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 9 pp.
519
520 ASTM C1218/1218M-09, “Standard Test Method for Water-Soluble Chloride in Mortar and
521 Concrete,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 3 pp.
522

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523 ASTM C1012/C1012M-09, “Standard Test Method for Length Change of Hydraulic- cement
524 Mortars Exposed to a Sulfate Solution,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 6 pp.
525
526

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