However, the PCA has (as of 2023) not produced an interactive, equation-solving digital tool. That space is held by software like RAM Concept, ETABS, and ADAPT. The PCA Notes remains the pedagogical foundation upon which those tools are validated.
Shifting completely to Strut-and-Tie Models (STM) for member geometry categorized as deep beams.
A traditional "PCA Notes" volume specifically for ACI 318-19 was not formally released; instead, technical guidance has shifted to the CRSI Design Guide and official ACI resources. Key updates in ACI 318-19, often detailed in replacement literature, focus on shear design, deep foundation alignment, high-strength reinforcement, and precast diaphragms. Detailed information regarding the transition is available at pca notes on aci 31819
To appreciate the latest PCA Notes, one must understand the seismic shift that occurred in ACI 318-19. The PCA Notes on ACI 318-19 fully incorporate these changes, which include:
) underwent a major revision. For the first time, ACI 318-19 explicitly introduces a ( λslambda sub s However, the PCA has (as of 2023) not
: New requirements clarify how the vertical component of an earthquake affects structural design. New and Reorganized Chapters
PCA Notes on ACI 318-19: A Comprehensive Guide for Structural Engineers Shifting completely to Strut-and-Tie Models (STM) for member
The PCA Notes on ACI 318-19 are available in both hardcover and digital PDF from the Portland Cement Association (PCA) and major retailers (Amazon, Bookshop, or directly from concrete.org). The digital version is fully searchable—a massive advantage when trying to locate a specific clause by keyword.
STM can feel highly subjective to a novice engineer. The PCA Notes remove this ambiguity by providing step-by-step idealization methodologies. They illustrate exactly how to draw compliant trusses, calculate nodal dimensions, and safely verify efficiency factors. High-Strength Reinforcement: The Game Changer