PART 2 – An Overview of Significant Changes in ACI 318-25

The latest edition of ACI 318 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete was released at the end of January 2025, although a printed version is still not available as of mid-July. It is expected to be adopted by the 2027 IBC.

ACI 318-25 introduces significant updates, including a new sustainability appendix and a new appendix on performance-based wind design, revised requirements for post-installed reinforcing bars, and enhanced provisions for shear friction. Additional updates include improvements to deep foundation requirements across all seismic design categories and clarified guidelines for cantilever and basement wall shear design.

The document also features numerous advancements in seismic design provisions (including significant relief from the severe shear design requirements for special shear walls in ACI 318-19), and modifications to development length equations. Enhanced language on the development, embedment, and anchorage of reinforcement, as well as new strength reduction factors for breakout failure, are also included, along with updated guidance for developing closely spaced bars in tension.