scope:

The recommendations in this Manual concerning the selection and use of reinforcing steel and related materials should not be substituted for the judgment of an experienced Architect/Engineer as to the best way of achieving specific design requirements.

This Manual, first published in 1939, was prepared and periodically revised by the Engineering Practice Committee of the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute. Recommendations based upon their nationwide composite experience are presented here as a guide to reinforcing materials available and industry practices of estimating, detailing, fabricating, placing and contracting for reinforcing steel and related materials. To facilitate the Architect/Engineer's function, and to ensure an accurate interpretation of the requirements, it is suggested that the recommended industry practices herein be included by reference in the project drawings or project specifications. In the absence of specifications to the contrary, it is intended that these recommended industry practices govern the interpretation of contracts entered into between the Buyer and Seller of reinforcing steel and related materials. The Institute believes that use of these recommendations from design through construction will produce maximum economy in the final reinforced concrete structure to the benefit of all concerned.

This Manual should serve a twofold purpose:

1. To delineate as precisely as possible the industry practices for reinforcing steel and related materials.

2. To provide a convenient reference source for the Architect/Engineer, the Inspector, the Estimator, the Detailer, the Fabricator and the Placer.

In this Manual, the terms "ACI Building Code," "ACI 318," "ACI Code," etc., refer to "Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318)" as issued by the American Concrete Institute.