ACI 318-25 Concrete Beam Checking Assistant - A Claude AI Skill for Structural Engineering Code Compliance (Version 3.0, Imperial Units)
Abstract
The ACI 318-25 Concrete Beam Checking Assistant is a reusable Claude AI Skill for checking reinforced concrete beam designs per ACI 318-25 and gravity loads per ASCE 7-22, using US customary (imperial) units exclusively. The skill performs 10 sequential code checks, cites the specific ACI 318-25 section governing every check, shows full step-by-step calculations, flags all assumptions explicitly, and ends every session with a mandatory disclaimer requiring review by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). This is not a beam design tool. It is a checking assistant — all outputs require PE review before use in any engineering decision or construction project. Version 1.0: Original release - dual SI/imperial. ACI section reference corrections noted. Version 2.0: Imperial units only (US customary). Converted from dual SI/imperial to Imperial units exclusively. Version 3.0: Key corrections applied following use of Version 2.0: Ec = 57,000√f'c psi per §19.2.2.1(a); minimum cover references corrected to §20.5.1.2 through §20.5.1.4; concrete unit weight stated as 150 lb/ft³ per §19.2.1; Vc method updated to ACI 318-25 §22.5.5.1 Table 22.5.5.1; minimum shear reinforcement corrected to §9.6.3.4; max stirrup spacing corrected to include 24 in upper limit per §9.7.6.2.2. FILES INCLUDED:- ACI_Beam_Checker_v3_Skill.zip — install this in Claude (Customize → Skills → + → Upload)- ACI_Beam_Checker_v3_Imperial.docx — full instructions and all 10 checks explained- Example PDF — a real analysis run showing how to use the skill REQUIREMENTS: Claude Pro subscription ($20/month) at claude.ai Inspired by the EC7 geotechnical checking skill developed by Arabel Vilas Serín (2025). A companion academic paper introducing the AI Skill paradigm for structural engineering is currently under peer review at Discover Civil Engineering Journal.
