The Portland Cement Association is preparing to develop its first consensus standard as a newly accredited American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards writing organization. The PCA-authored Standard on Prescriptive Design and Construction Requirements for Concrete Walls is intended to be applicable for cast-in-place concrete walls for one- and two-family dwellings.

Concrete exterior walls have experienced growing awareness and application in residential construction, warranting a set of building standards. Market share of concrete for above grade walls has grown steadily from just under 4 percent in 1994 to and estimated 15.7 percent in 2003.

Additionally, homeowners are becoming increasingly aware of concrete homebuilding systems, with awareness improving from 55 percent in 2000 to 68 percent in 2002. In January 2004, concrete homes took another step forward with the creation of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Concrete Home Building Council, a division of NAHB’s Building Systems Council.

Standard development activity will begin by considering the prescriptive requirements developed jointly by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and PCA. The provisions are currently part of the International Code Council’s International Residential Code (IRC), and referenced in the National Fire Protection Association’s Building Construction and Safety Code (NFPA 5000).

Participants in the standard development committee will be comprised of a balance of concrete producers, users, and general interest groups ensuring that no one group dominates the process.

Individuals interested in participation should contact Karalin Derencius at 847-972-9024 or kderencius@cement.org.

About PCA
Based in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs.