CBC · California Building Code

What must construction documents for concrete include and what are allowable tolerances?

The CBC requires that concrete construction documents list compressive strengths, reinforcement grade and locations, anchors, splice/anchorage lengths, joints, prestressing details, minimum strength at stressing, and whether slab‑on‑grade acts as a diaphragm (see § 1901.5). If the drawings don’t specify tolerances, cast‑in‑place tolerances come from ACI 117 (§ 1901.7.1) and precast from ACI ITG‑7 (§ 1901.7.2); Group R‑3 and shotcrete have exceptions.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The California Building Code requires that construction documents for structural concrete explicitly show a set of design and detailing items (compressive strength, reinforcement, sizes/locations, joints, prestressing, anchorage and splice lengths, etc.) — see § 1901.5 for the full list. Where tolerances are not shown on the drawings, the code defers to recognized ACI tolerances: cast‑in‑place concrete tolerances are governed by ACI 117 (§ 1901.7.1) and precast by ACI ITG‑7 (§ 1901.7.2); the CBC requires these references rather than restating the numeric limits itself.

Requirements in detail

Overview of mandatory content

The construction documents must include the items listed in § 1901.5. In plain terms, the drawings and specifications must state the concrete strengths and ages, reinforcement strength and placement, geometry and locations of elements and anchors, provisions for dimensional change (creep, shrinkage, temperature), prestressing details and sequences, splice/anchor details, and joints. For some items the CBC gives a specific dimensional trigger (for example openings) that must be shown on the structural drawings.

Decision‑relevant checklist (table)

What to put on the construction documents	Decision‑relevant dimension/value or example	Code reference
Specified compressive strength for each element and stage (e.g., 28‑day f'c for columns, early strength for forms removal)	Varies by project — must be stated for each element/stage	§ 1901.5
Specified strength/grade of reinforcement (yield strength)	Example: Grade 60 (420 MPa) — designer must specify	§ 1901.5
Size and location of structural elements, reinforcement, and anchors	Full plan/section details and bar schedules; anchor location tolerances per referenced standards	§ 1901.5
Provision for dimensional changes from creep, shrinkage and temperature	Describe assumed shrinkage/creep strains or the detailing to accommodate movement	§ 1901.5
Magnitude and location of prestressing forces; stressing sequence	State tendon forces and the tendon stressing order	§ 1901.5
Anchorage length of reinforcement; location and length of lap splices	Show development/lap lengths on drawings or reference calculation	§ 1901.5
Type and location of mechanical and welded splices	Identify splice type and location on reinforcement drawings	§ 1901.5
Details and location of contraction or isolation joints (plain concrete)	Show joint layout and spacing (and joint filler/sealer details)	§ 1901.5
Minimum concrete compressive strength at time of post‑tensioning	State a minimum f'c at time of stressing (project‑specific)	§ 1901.5
Stressing sequence for posttensioning tendons	Show sequence on drawings or in specs	§ 1901.5
Statement if slab‑on‑grade is a structural diaphragm (SDC D, E or F)	Required when structure is SDC D/E/F — must be declared	§ 1901.5
Openings larger than 12 inches (305 mm) in any dimension	Must be detailed on structural drawings	§ 1901.A.5 (item 12)
Tolerances for structural concrete (when not shown)	Cast‑in‑place: ACI 117; Precast: ACI ITG‑7	§§ 1901.7, 1901.7.1, 1901.7.2

Notes:

The CBC sets the list of required items — it generally does not restate ACI’s numeric tolerances. For the numeric tolerance tables and dimensional limits for cast‑in‑place work, consult ACI 117 as adopted in § 1901.7.1.

Tolerances — what the CBC requires

Default rule: “Where not indicated in construction documents, structural tolerances for concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with this section” (i.e., the chapter’s tolerance references) — § 1901.7.
Cast‑in‑place: CBC requires use of ACI 117 for cast‑in‑place tolerances — § 1901.7.1. That means the numeric tolerances for location, alignment, elevation, member dimensions, cover, embedded items, etc., come from ACI 117 unless the construction documents call out different tolerances.
Precast: CBC requires ACI ITG‑7 for precast tolerances — § 1901.7.2.
Exceptions: Group R‑3 detached one‑ or two‑family dwellings are not required to comply with the tolerance sections, and shotcrete is excepted from the cast‑in‑place tolerances (shotcrete tolerances must be defined in the construction documents) — see exceptions to § 1901.7.1.

Exceptions & special cases

Group R‑3 (detached one‑ or two‑family dwellings): not required to comply with the tolerance provisions in § 1901.7 / § 1901.7.1.
Shotcrete: not required to comply with ACI 117 through § 1901.7.1; tolerances for shotcrete must be defined by the construction documents (i.e., the designer must state what tolerances apply).
Where the design requires specialized tolerances (e.g., architectural facade alignments, mechanical embed tolerances), the construction documents should state those tolerances explicitly; otherwise the ACI standards govern.

Common mistakes

Omitting minimum compressive strength at time of post‑tensioning or not showing the stressing sequence — both are explicitly required by § 1901.5.
Assuming the CBC provides numeric tolerances for cast‑in‑place work; the CBC points to ACI 117 — the designer must either show project‑specific tolerances on the drawings or rely on ACI 117.
Failing to detail openings > 12 in. (305 mm) on structural drawings — the CBC requires these be shown.
Not stating whether slab‑on‑grade is intended to act as a structural diaphragm when the project is in Seismic Design Category D/E/F — § 1901.5 requires this statement.

Worked example — how to prepare the construction documents (illustrative)

Scenario: three‑story office building (SDC D) with cast‑in‑place columns, beams and a slab‑on‑grade.

What you must show on the structural drawings (example entries):

Specified compressive strengths: columns f'c = 5,000 psi (28‑day); cast‑in‑place slab f'c = 4,000 psi (28‑day); note minimum f'c at time of post‑tensioning = 2,500 psi (example; designer to set final value). These items satisfy the requirement of § 1901.5.
Reinforcement: specify grade (e.g., ASTM A615 Grade 60), bar sizes and spacing on bar schedules; show development and lap lengths on details per § 1901.5.
Anchors and embedded items: show anchor locations and embedment depths; if no special tolerance is shown, the installer follows ACI 117 tolerances for embedded items per § 1901.7.1.
Dimensional change: include a note describing assumed shrinkage strain and whether contraction joints are required; show isolation joints at slab to column/footing intersections — meeting § 1901.5 requirement for provision of dimensional change and joints.
Prestressing: if a post‑tensioned transfer slab is used, show magnitude/location of prestress, minimum f'c at stressing, and the stressing sequence. § 1901.5 requires these items.
Slab‑on‑grade diaphragm statement: because the building is SDC D, include an explicit note stating whether the slab‑on‑grade is designed as a structural diaphragm as required by § 1901.5.
Tolerances: if special member location tolerances are required beyond typical ACI tolerances (for facade coordination, MEP embed accuracy, etc.), show those tolerances on the drawings; otherwise include a note that cast‑in‑place tolerances shall be per ACI 117 as required by § 1901.7.1.

(Important: numeric values above are an illustrative example of what to place on a set of drawings — they are not CBC‑mandated numbers. The CBC requires that the values be stated on the construction documents.)

Related provisions

Special inspections and tests for concrete (Chapter 17 references): § 1901.6.
Tolerances for precast concrete elements: § 1901.7.2 (ACI ITG‑7).
Materials and testing standards for concrete: § 1903.1 (use standards listed in ACI 318).
Coordination of terminology with ACI 318 and ASCE 7: § 1902.1.1.

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

CBC § 19A-3 High relevance — show source text
1901 A .3 Anchoring to concrete. Anchoring to concrete shall be in accordance with ACI 318 as supplemented in Section 1905 A, and applies to cast-in (headed bolts, headed studs and hooked J- or L-bolts), post-installed expansion (torque-controlled and displacement-controlled), undercut, screw, and adhesive anchors.

1901 A .4 Composite structural steel and concrete structures. Systems of structural steel acting compositely with reinforced concrete shall be designed in accordance with Section 2206 A of this code.

1901 A .5 Construction documents. The construction documents for structural concrete construction shall include:
1. The specified compressive strength of concrete at the stated ages or stages of construction for which each concrete element is designed.
2. The specified strength or grade of reinforcement.
3. The size and location of structural elements, reinforcement and anchors.
4. Provision for dimensional changes resulting from creep, shrinkage and temperature.
5. The magnitude and location of prestressing forces.
6. Anchorage length of reinforcement and location and length of lap splices.
7. Type and location of mechanical and welded splices of reinforcement.
8. Details and location of contraction or isolation joints.
9. Minimum concrete compressive strength at time of posttensioning.
10. Stressing sequence for posttensioning tendons.
11. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, a statement if slab on grade is designed as a structural diaphragm. 12. Openings larger than 12 inches (305 mm) in any dimension shall be detailed on the structural drawings.
1901 A .6 Special inspections and tests. S pecial inspections and tests of concrete elements of buildings and structures and concreting operations shall be as required by Chapter 17A and Section 1910A.

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1901 A .7 Tolerances for structural concrete. Where not indicated in construction documents, structural tolerances for concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with this section.

1901 A .7.1 Cast-in-place concrete tolerances. Structural tolerances for cast-in-place concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with ACI 117.

Exceptions:
1. Group R-3 detached one- or two-family dwellings are not required to comply with this section.
2. Shotcrete is not required to comply with this section. [DSA-SS] Tolerances for shotcrete construction shall be defined by the construction documents.
1901 A .7.2 Precast concrete tolerances. Structural tolerances for precast concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with ACI ITG-7.

Exception: Group R-3 detached one- or two-family dwellings are not required to comply with this section.

SECTION 1902 A —COORDINATION OF TERMINOLOGY

1902 A .1 General. Coordination of terminology used in ACI 318 and ASCE 7 shall be in accordance with Section 1902 A .1.1.
CBC § 19A-3 High relevance — show source text
1901 A .6 Special inspections and tests. S pecial inspections and tests of concrete elements of buildings and structures and concreting operations shall be as required by Chapter 17A and Section 1910A.

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1901 A .7 Tolerances for structural concrete. Where not indicated in construction documents, structural tolerances for concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with this section.

1901 A .7.1 Cast-in-place concrete tolerances. Structural tolerances for cast-in-place concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with ACI 117.

Exceptions:
1. Group R-3 detached one- or two-family dwellings are not required to comply with this section.
2. Shotcrete is not required to comply with this section. [DSA-SS] Tolerances for shotcrete construction shall be defined by the construction documents.
1901 A .7.2 Precast concrete tolerances. Structural tolerances for precast concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with ACI ITG-7.

Exception: Group R-3 detached one- or two-family dwellings are not required to comply with this section.

SECTION 1902 A —COORDINATION OF TERMINOLOGY

1902 A .1 General. Coordination of terminology used in ACI 318 and ASCE 7 shall be in accordance with Section 1902 A .1.1.

1902 A .1.1 Design displacement. Design displacement shall be the Design Earthquake Displacement, δ DE, defined in ASCE 7 Section 12.8.6.3. For diaphragms that can be idealized as rigid in accordance with ASCE 7 Section 12.3.1.2, δ di, displacement due to diaphragm deformation corresponding to the design earthquake, is permitted to be taken as zero.

SECTION 1903 A —SPECIFICATIONS FOR TESTS AND MATERIALS

1903 A .1 General. Materials used to produce concrete, concrete itself and testing thereof shall comply with the applicable standards listed in ACI 318.

1903 A .2 Glass fiber-reinforced concrete. Glass fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC) and the materials used in such concrete shall be in accordance with the PCI 128.

1903 A .3 Flat wall insulating concrete form (ICF) systems. Insulating concrete form material used for forming flat concrete walls shall conform to ASTM E2634. [OSHPD 1 & 4] Not permitted by OSHPD. [DSA-SS] ICF systems shall be considered alternative systems. Concrete constructed using ICF systems and attachments to ICF shall be designed for loads in accordance with this code and shall comply with manufacturer’s instructions and industry standards determined applicable by the enforcement agency. Calculations and drawings shall be submitted to the enforcement agency for review and approval prior to construction.

1903A.4 Steel fiber reinforcement – Not permitted.
CBC § 1901.4 High relevance — show source text
_ Screw-type anchors tested with a calibrated torque wrench shall attain the specified torque within one-quarter ( [ 1] / 4 ) turn of the screw after initial seating of the screw head.

1901.4 Composite structural steel and concrete structures. Systems of structural steel acting compositely with reinforced concrete shall be designed in accordance with Section 2206 of this code.

1901.5 Construction documents. The construction documents for structural concrete construction shall include:
1. The specified compressive strength of concrete at the stated ages or stages of construction for which each concrete element is designed.
2. The specified strength or grade of reinforcement.
3. The size and location of structural elements, reinforcement and anchors.
4. Provision for dimensional changes resulting from creep, shrinkage and temperature.
5. The magnitude and location of prestressing forces.
6. Anchorage length of reinforcement and location and length of lap splices.
7. Type and location of mechanical and welded splices of reinforcement.
8. Details and location of contraction or isolation joints specified for plain concrete.
9. Minimum concrete compressive strength at time of posttensioning.
10. Stressing sequence for posttensioning tendons.
11. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, a statement if slab on grade is designed as a structural diaphragm.
1901.6 Special inspections and tests. S pecial inspections and tests of concrete elements of buildings and structures and concreting operations shall be as required by Chapter 17.

1901.7 Tolerances for structural concrete. Where not indicated in construction documents, structural tolerances for concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with this section.

1901.7.1 Cast-in-place concrete tolerances. Structural tolerances for cast-in-place concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with ACI 117.

Exceptions:
1. Group R-3 detached one- or two-family dwellings are not required to comply with this section.
2. Shotcrete is not required to comply with this section.
1901.7.2 Precast concrete tolerances. Structural tolerances for precast concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with ACI ITG-7.

Exception: Group R-3 detached one- or two-family dwellings are not required to comply with this section.

SECTION 1902—COORDINATION OF TERMINOLOGY

1902.1 General. Coordination of terminology used in ACI 318 and ASCE 7 shall be in accordance with Section 1902.1.1.

1902.1.1 Design displacement. Design displacement shall be the Design Earthquake Displacement, δ DE, defined in ASCE 7 Section 12.8.6.3. For diaphragms that can be idealized as rigid in accordance with ASCE 7 Section 12.3.1.2, δ di, displacement due to diaphragm deformation corresponding to the design earthquake, is permitted to be taken as zero.

SECTION 1903—SPECIFICATIONS FOR TESTS AND MATERIALS

1903.1 General. Materials used to produce concrete, concrete itself and testing thereof shall comply with the applicable standards listed in ACI 318.

Exception: The following standards as referenced in Chapter 35 shall be permitted to be used.

1. ASTM C150

2. ASTM C595

3. ASTM C1157
CBC § 0.8 High relevance — show source text
Tension test load need not exceed 80 percent of the nominal yield strength of the anchor element (= 0.8 A se f ya ). 2. The manufacturer’s recommended installation torque based on approved evaluation report using criteria adopted in this code.

1901.3.4.5 Test acceptance criteria. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Proof test shall satisfy the following minimum requirements. 1. Tension test: Anchors shall be tested in the unconfined condition in accordance with ASTM E3121 except that the mini- mum clearance to the test frame shall be 1.5 times the anchor’s embedment depth. Test load shall be maintained for a

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minimum of 15 seconds and shall exhibit no discernable movement during the tension test, e.g. as evidenced by loosen- ing of the washer under the nut or an abrupt decrease in the gauge pressure. Exception: Adhesive anchors shall be permitted to be tested in confined conditions in accordance with ASTM E3121 when the approved construction documents indicate that concrete breakout does not control the design tensile strength. 2. Torque test: Torque-controlled post-installed anchors tested with a calibrated torque wrench shall attain the specified torque within [1] / 2 turn of the nut; or one-quarter ( [ 1] / 4 ) turn of the nut for a [3] / 8 -inch sleeve anchor only. Screw-type anchors tested with a calibrated torque wrench shall attain the specified torque within one-quarter ( [ 1] / 4 ) turn of the screw after initial seating of the screw head.

1901.4 Composite structural steel and concrete structures. Systems of structural steel acting compositely with reinforced concrete shall be designed in accordance with Section 2206 of this code.

1901.5 Construction documents. The construction documents for structural concrete construction shall include:
1. The specified compressive strength of concrete at the stated ages or stages of construction for which each concrete element is designed.
2. The specified strength or grade of reinforcement.
3. The size and location of structural elements, reinforcement and anchors.
4. Provision for dimensional changes resulting from creep, shrinkage and temperature.
5. The magnitude and location of prestressing forces.
6. Anchorage length of reinforcement and location and length of lap splices.
7. Type and location of mechanical and welded splices of reinforcement.
8. Details and location of contraction or isolation joints specified for plain concrete.
9. Minimum concrete compressive strength at time of posttensioning.
10. Stressing sequence for posttensioning tendons.
11. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, a statement if slab on grade is designed as a structural diaphragm.
1901.6 Special inspections and tests. S pecial inspections and tests of concrete elements of buildings and structures and concreting operations shall be as required by Chapter 17.

1901.7 Tolerances for structural concrete. Where not indicated in construction documents, structural tolerances for concrete structural elements shall be in accordance with this section.
CBC § 1901A.1.1 High relevance — show source text
1901A.1.1 Application. The scope of application of Chapter 19A is as follows: 1. Structures regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety (DSA-SS), which include those applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1. These applications include public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state- owned or state-leased essential services buildings. 2. Applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 and 1.10.4, regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). These applications include hospitals and correctional treatment centers.

1901A.1.2 Amendments in this chapter. DSA-SS and OSHPD adopt this chapter and all amendments.

Exception: Amendments adopted by only one agency appear in this chapter preceded with the appropriate acronym of the adopt- ing agency, as follows: 1. Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety:

[DSA-SS] For applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1. 2. Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development.

[OSHPD 1] – For applications listed in Section 1.10.1.

[OSHPD 4] – For applications listed in Section 1.10.4.

1901 A .2 R einforced concrete. Structural concrete shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and ACI 318 as supplemented in Section 1905 A of this code, except that plain concrete is not permitted.

1901 A .3 Anchoring to concrete. Anchoring to concrete shall be in accordance with ACI 318 as supplemented in Section 1905 A, and applies to cast-in (headed bolts, headed studs and hooked J- or L-bolts), post-installed expansion (torque-controlled and displacement-controlled), undercut, screw, and adhesive anchors.

1901 A .4 Composite structural steel and concrete structures. Systems of structural steel acting compositely with reinforced concrete shall be designed in accordance with Section 2206 A of this code.

1901 A .5 Construction documents. The construction documents for structural concrete construction shall include:
1. The specified compressive strength of concrete at the stated ages or stages of construction for which each concrete element is designed.
2. The specified strength or grade of reinforcement.
3. The size and location of structural elements, reinforcement and anchors.
4. Provision for dimensional changes resulting from creep, shrinkage and temperature.
5. The magnitude and location of prestressing forces.
6. Anchorage length of reinforcement and location and length of lap splices.
7. Type and location of mechanical and welded splices of reinforcement.
8. Details and location of contraction or isolation joints.
9. Minimum concrete compressive strength at time of posttensioning.
10. Stressing sequence for posttensioning tendons.
11. For structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F, a statement if slab on grade is designed as a structural diaphragm. 12. Openings larger than 12 inches (305 mm) in any dimension shall be detailed on the structural drawings.
CBC § 3.3.2 High relevance — show source text
1. Ultimate capacity determined from well-documented correlations with installation torque.
2. Ultimate capacity determined from load tests.
3. Ultimate axial capacity of pile shaft.
4. Ultimate axial capacity of pile shaft couplings.
5. Sum of the ultimate axial capacity of helical bearing plates affixed to pile.
1810 A .3.3.2 Allowable lateral load. Where required by the design, the lateral load capacity of a single deep foundation element or a group thereof shall be determined by an approved method of analysis or by lateral load tests in accordance with ASTM D3966 to not less than twice the proposed design working load. The resulting allowable lateral load shall not be more than one-half of the load that produces a gross lateral movement of 1 inch (25 mm) at the lower of the top of the foundation element and the ground surface, unless it can be shown that the predicted lateral movement shall cause neither harmful distortion of, nor instability in, the structure, nor cause any element to be loaded beyond its capacity. Group effects shall be evaluated where required by Section 1810 A .2.5.

1810 A .3.4 Subsiding soils or strata. Where deep foundation elements are installed through subsiding soils or other subsiding strata and derive support from underlying firmer materials, consideration shall be given to the downward frictional forces potentially imposed on the elements by the subsiding upper strata.

Where the influence of subsiding soils or strata is considered as imposing loads on the element, the allowable stresses specified in this chapter shall be permitted to be increased where satisfactory substantiating data are submitted.

1810 A .3.5 Dimensions of deep foundation elements. The dimensions of deep foundation elements shall be in accordance with Sections 1810 A .3.5.1 through 1810 A .3.5.3, as applicable.

1810 A .3.5.1 Precast. The minimum lateral dimension of precast concrete deep foundation elements shall be 8 inches (203 mm). Corners of square elements shall be chamfered.

1810 A .3.5.2 Cast-in-place or grouted-in-place. Cast-in-place and grouted-in-place deep foundation elements shall satisfy the requirements of this section.

1810 A .3.5.2.1 Cased. Cast-in-place or grouted-in-place deep foundation elements with a permanent casing shall have a nominal outside diameter of not less than 8 inches (203 mm).

1810 A .3.5.2.2 Uncased. Cast-in-place or grouted-in-place deep foundation elements without a permanent casing shall have a specified diameter of not less than 12 inches (305 mm). The element length shall not exceed 30 times the specified diameter.

Exception: The length of the element is permitted to exceed 30 times the specified diameter, provided that the design and installation of the deep foundations are under the direct supervision of a registered design professional knowledgeable in the field of soil mechanics and deep foundations. The registered design professional shall submit a report to the building official stating that the elements were installed in compliance with the approved construction documents.

CBC § 1705.7 High relevance — show source text

The duties of the geotechnical engineer or his or her qualified representative shall include, but need not be limited to, the inspec- tion of cleared areas and benches prepared to receive fill; inspection of the removal of all unsuitable soils and other materials; the approval of soils to be used as fill material; the inspection of placement and compaction of fill materials; the testing of the completed fills; and the inspection or review of geotechnical drainage devices, buttress fills or other similar protective measures in accordance with the approved construction documents.

A verified report shall be submitted by the geotechnical engineer as required by the California Administrative Code. The report shall indicate that all tests and inspections required by the approved construction documents were completed and whether the tested materials and/or inspected work meet the requirements of the approved construction documents.

1705.7 Driven deep foundations. Special inspections and tests shall be performed during installation of driven deep foundation elements as specified in Table 1705.7. The approved geotechnical report and the construction documents prepared by the registered design professionals shall be used to determine compliance.

TABLE 1705.7—REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS OF DRIVEN DEEP FOUNDATION ELEMENTS	Col2	Col3
TYPE	CONTINUOUS SPECIAL INSPECTION	PERIODIC SPECIAL INSPECTION
1. Verify element materials, sizes and lengths comply with the requirements.	X	—
2. Determine capacities of test elements and conduct additional load tests, as required.	X	—
3. Inspect driving operations and maintain complete and accurate records for each element.	X	—
4. Verify placement locations and plumbness, confirm type and size of hammer, record number of blows per foot of penetration, determine required penetrations to achieve design capacity, record tip and butt elevations and document any damage to foundation element.	X	—
5. For steel elements, perform additional special inspections in accordance with Section 1705.2.	In accordance with Section 1705.2	In accordance with Section 1705.2
6. For concrete elements and concrete-filled elements, perform tests and additional special inspections in accordance with Section 1705.3.	In accordance with Section 1705.3	In accordance with Section 1705.3
7.For specialty elements, perform additional inspections as determined by the registered design professional in responsible charge.	In accordance with Statement of Special Inspections	In accordance with Statement of Special Inspections

1705.7.1 Driven deep foundations observation. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] The installation of driven deep foundations shall be continu- ously observed by a qualified representative of the geotechnical engineer responsible for that portion of the project.

The representative of the geotechnical engineer shall make a report of the deep foundation pile-driving operation giving such pertinent data as the physical characteristics of the deep foundation pile-driving equipment, identifying marks for each deep founda- tion pile, total depth of embedment for each deep foundation; and when the allowable deep foundation pile loads are determined by a dynamic load formula, the design formula used, and the permanent penetration under the last 10 blows. One copy of the report shall be sent to the enforcement agency.

CBC § 1705A.6.2 High relevance — show source text

1705A.6.2 Earth-retaining shoring. Special inspections and tests of earth-retaining shoring shall be in accordance with applicable portions of Section 1812A.

1705A.6.3 Vibro stone columns. Special inspections and tests of vibro stone columns for ground improvement shall be in accordance with Section 1813A.5.

1705 A .7 Driven deep foundations. Special inspections and tests shall be performed during installation of driven deep foundation elements as specified in 1810A.3.3.1.2 and Table 1705 A .7. The approved geotechnical report and the construction documents prepared by the registered design professionals shall be used to determine compliance.

TABLE 1705A.7—REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS OF DRIVEN DEEP FOUNDATION ELEMENTS	Col2	Col3
TYPE	CONTINUOUS SPECIAL INSPECTION	PERIODIC SPECIAL INSPECTION
1. Verify element materials, sizes and lengths comply with the requirements.	X	—
2. Determine capacities of test elements and conduct additional load tests, as required.	X	—
3. Inspect driving operations and maintain complete and accurate records for each element.	X	—
4. Verify placement locations and plumbness, confirm type and size of hammer, record number of blows per foot of penetration, determine required penetrations to achieve design capacity, record tip and butt elevations and document any damage to foundation element.	X	—
5. For steel elements, perform additional special inspections in accordance with Section 1705_A_.2.	In accordance with Section 1705_A_.2	In accordance with Section 1705_A_.2
6. For concrete elements and concrete-filled elements, perform tests and additional special inspections in accordance with Section 1705_A_.3.	In accordance with Section 1705_A_.3	In accordance with Section 1705_A_.3
7. For specialty elements, perform additional inspections as determined by the registered design professional in responsible charge.	In accordance with Statement of Special Inspections	In accordance with Statement of Special Inspections

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1705A.7.1 Driven deep foundations observation. The installation of driven deep foundations shall be continuously observed by a qualified representative of the geotechnical engineer responsible for that portion of the project.

CBC § 1705A.8 High relevance — show source text

TABLE 1705A.8—REQUIRED SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS OF CAST-IN-PLACE DEEP FOUNDATION ELEMENTS	Col2	Col3
TYPE	CONTINUOUS SPECIAL INSPECTION	PERIODIC SPECIAL INSPECTION
1. Inspect drilling operations and maintain complete and accurate records for each element.	X	—
2. Verify placement locations and plumbness, confirm element diameters, bell diameters (if applicable), lengths, embedment into bedrock (if applicable) and adequate end-bearing strata capacity. Record concrete or grout volumes.	X	—
3. For concrete elements, perform tests and additional special inspections in accordance with Section 1705_A_.3.	In accordance with Section 1705_A_.3	In accordance with Section 1705_A_.3

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1705A.8.1 Micropile tests. Micropile preproduction and production load tests shall be in accordance with Section 1810A.3.10.4.

1705 A .9 Helical pile foundations. Continuous special inspections shall be performed during installation of helical pile foundations. The information recorded shall include installation equipment used, pile dimensions, tip elevations, final depth, final installation torque and other pertinent installation data as required by the registered design professional in responsible charge. The approved geotechnical report and the construction documents prepared by the registered design professional shall be used to determine compliance.

1705A.9.1 Helical pile tests. Helical pile preproduction and production load tests shall be in accordance with Section 1810A.3.1.5.1.

1705 A .10 Structural integrity of deep foundation elements. Whenever there is a reasonable doubt as to the structural integrity of a deep foundation element, an engineering assessment shall be required. The engineering assessment shall include tests for defects performed in accordance with ASTM D4945, ASTM D5882, ASTM D6760 or ASTM D7949, or other approved method.

1705 A .11 Fabricated items. Special inspections of fabricated items shall be performed in accordance with Section 1704 A .2.5.

1705 A .12 Special inspections for wind resistance. Special inspections for wind resistance specified in Sections 1705 A .12.1 through 1705 A .12.3, unless exempted by the exceptions to Section 1704 A .2, are required for buildings and structures constructed in the following areas:

In wind Exposure Category B, where basic wind speed, V, is 150 mph (67 m/sec) or greater.
In wind Exposure Category C or D, where basic wind speed, V, is 140 mph (62.6 m/sec) or greater.

1705 A .12.1 Structural wood. Continuous special inspection is required during field gluing operations of elements of the main windforce-resisting system. Periodic special inspection is required for nailing, bolting, anchoring and other fastening of elements of the main windforce-resisting system, including wood shear walls, wood diaphragms, drag struts, braces and hold-downs.

CBC § 1.11. High relevance — show source text
The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 19A-1

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

19A-2 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

19 A CONCRETE

User notes:

About this chapter: Chapter 19A provides minimum accepted practices for the design and construction of buildings and structural components using concrete, both plain and reinforced. Chapter 19A is applicable to structures regulated by the Division of the State Architect- Structural Safety—including public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, and state-owned or state-leased essential services buildings (applications listed in Sections 1.9.2.1 [DSA-SS] and 1.9.2.2 [DSA-SS/CC])—and by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development—including hospitals and correctional treatment centers (applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 [OSHPD 1] and 1.10.4 [OSHPD 4]).

SECTION 1901 A —GENERAL

1901 A .1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the materials, quality control, design and construction of concrete used in structures.

1901A.1.1 Application. The scope of application of Chapter 19A is as follows: 1. Structures regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety (DSA-SS), which include those applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1. These applications include public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and state- owned or state-leased essential services buildings. 2. Applications listed in Sections 1.10.1 and 1.10.4, regulated by the Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development (OSHPD). These applications include hospitals and correctional treatment centers.

1901A.1.2 Amendments in this chapter. DSA-SS and OSHPD adopt this chapter and all amendments.

Exception: Amendments adopted by only one agency appear in this chapter preceded with the appropriate acronym of the adopt- ing agency, as follows: 1. Division of the State Architect-Structural Safety:

[DSA-SS] For applications listed in Section 1.9.2.1. 2. Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development.

[OSHPD 1] – For applications listed in Section 1.10.1.

[OSHPD 4] – For applications listed in Section 1.10.4.

1901 A .2 R einforced concrete. Structural concrete shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and ACI 318 as supplemented in Section 1905 A of this code, except that plain concrete is not permitted.
CBC § 1.1 High relevance — show source text
1.1_|||||||||X||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1901.1.2|||||||||X||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1901.1.3|||||||||X||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1901.1.4|||||||||X|||||||||||||||| |1901.1.5|||||||||X|||||||||||||||| |1901.3.1 – 1901.3.4.5|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1903.1|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1903.3|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1903.4|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1903.5|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1905.1.8||||||||||||||||||||||||| |1905.5|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1905.6|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1906|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1907.4.1||||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1908.1|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1909|||||||||X|||||||||||||||| |1910|||||||||||X|X|||X|||||||||| |1911|||||||||||X|X|||X||||||||||

The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 19-1

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

19-2 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

19 CONCRETE

User notes:

About this chapter: Chapter 19 provides minimum accepted practices for the design and construction of buildings and structural components using concrete—both plain and reinforced. Chapter 19 relies primarily on the reference to American Concrete Institute (ACI) 318, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete. Structural concrete must be designed and constructed to comply with this code and all listed standards. There are also specific provisions addressing slabs-on-ground and shotcrete.

This chapter was extensively reorganized for the 2024 edition. For complete information, see the relocations table in the Preface information of this code.

ICC code development note: Code change proposals to this chapter will be considered by the IBC—Structural Code Development Committee during the

2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.

SECTION 1901—GENERAL

1901.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the materials, quality control, design and construction of concrete used in structures.
CBC § 18-35 High relevance — show source text
[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-35

CHAPTER 18A SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . .18A-1

1801A General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18A-3

1802A Design Basis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18A-3

1803A Geotechnical Investigations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18A-3

1804A Excavation, Grading and Fill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18A-7

1805A Dampproofing and Waterproofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18A-7

1806A Presumptive Load-Bearing Values of Soils. . . . . . . . 18A-9

CONTENTS

1807A Foundation Walls, Retaining Walls and Embedded Posts and Poles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18A-10

1808A Foundations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18A-11

1809A Shallow Foundations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18A-14

1810A Deep Foundations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18A-15

1811A Prestressed Rock and Soil Foundation

Anchors [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18A-25

1812A Earth Retaining Shoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18A-26

1813A Vibro Stone Columns for Ground

Improvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18A-29

CHAPTER 19 CONCRETE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-1

1901 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-3

Frequently asked questions

What numeric tolerances does the CBC require for cast‑in‑place concrete?

The CBC directs that cast‑in‑place tolerances be in accordance with ACI 117 (§ 1901.7.1); the CBC does not print ACI 117 numbers — consult ACI 117 for the numeric tolerances.

If I show project‑specific tolerances on the drawings, do I still need to reference ACI 117?

You may show project‑specific tolerances on the construction documents; if you do, those tolerances govern for that project. If you do not, the CBC requires the use of ACI 117 (§ 1901.7.1).

Are detached single‑family homes required to follow the CBC tolerances for concrete?

Detached one‑ or two‑family dwellings in Group R‑3 are excepted from the tolerance sections (they are not required to comply with § 1901.7/1901.7.1).

Must openings of any size be shown on structural drawings?

Openings larger than 12 inches (305 mm) in any dimension must be detailed on the structural drawings per § 1901.A.5 (item 12). Smaller openings should still be shown if they affect structural performance, reinforcement or formwork.

Who defines tolerances for shotcrete?

Shotcrete is excepted from the ACI 117 cast‑in‑place tolerances; tolerances for shotcrete must be defined by the construction documents.

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Related in the CBC

How does the CBC coordinate concrete terminology with ACI 318 and ASCE 7?

What is the scope and application of Chapter 19 (Concrete)?

Overview and administration of concrete (scope, documents, tolerances)

California Building Code