The American Concrete Institute (ACI) has released the Spanish edition of ACI 318-14: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete.
The 2015 International Building Code references 318-14. A Spanish language inch-pound version has also been released. The reorganized 318-14 is structured from an engineer’s perspective.
By focusing on member design, ACI 318 requirements flow more intuitively and have fewer cross-references, ACI says. The document has greater ease of use; improved logic and flow of information; member-based organization to quickly locate relevant code information; and construction requirements centralized in one chapter.
Publication of ACI 318-14 is the first major reorganization of ACI 318 since 1971 and represents nearly a decade of work. Updates include new chapters on structural systems and diaphragms, and a consistent structure for each member chapter. The U.S. and more than 22 countries around the world base their national building codes on all or part of ACI 318, and the document is used globally.
(http://www.concrete.org/News/NewsDetail.aspx?f=51687651)
New York City last year adopted the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recommendation to require additional exit stairways in high-rise buildings.
Since stairwells count as part of a building’s floor, an amendment to the city’s Zoning Resolution is also required and city government is considering the measure. The amendment exempts space used for the additional emergency stairwells from counting toward zoning floor area in new, non-residential buildings 420 feet high or taller.
The International Building Code (IBC) adopted the NIST’s findings in 2009, following a review of high-rise safety after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. A major recommendation was to increase exit capacity of buildings with additional exit pathways.
The zoning measure applies primarily to office buildings and hotels in Midtown and Lower Manhattan, Downtown Brooklyn, and Long Island City, Queens. The 11 community boards in those neighborhoods and borough presidents in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens have 60 days to review the amendment, followed by reviews at the City Planning Commission and the City Council.
(http://www.qgazette.com/news/2015-01-07/Features/Making_Tall_Buildings_Safer.html)
Related Stories
| Nov 14, 2013
Document on gypsum boards sets stage for preparing Environmental Product Declaration
The Gypsum Association has completed the development of a product category rules (PCR) document for North American gypsum boards.
| Nov 14, 2013
ISO, FLASH team up to promote stronger building codes
ISO has joined the national nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) to encourage communities to build disaster-resistant buildings that can withstand hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other catastrophic events.
| Nov 6, 2013
Cost to small businesses from silica rule is raised by progressive group
The silica-dust rule from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration could put small businesses at a disadvantage on the cost of complying with the mandate, according to the Center for Progressive Reform.
| Nov 6, 2013
Uneven snow load concern prompts structural study of Minnesota college auditorium roof
The roof of the Memorial Auditorium of Concordia College in Minnesota will undergo a complete structural analysis because it was built to 1946 codes and may not be able to accommodate uneven snow loads.
| Nov 6, 2013
Dallas’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2030 advances with second phase of green codes
Dallas stands out as one of the few large cities that is enforcing a green building code, with the city aiming to be carbon neutral by 2030.
| Nov 6, 2013
Task force to examine resiliency in the face of climate change
President Barack Obama recently signed an executive order related to climate change and disaster-management efforts during severe weather events and other disasters.
| Nov 6, 2013
USGBC Northern California chapter focuses on improving indoor environments in green buildings
The Northern California branch of the U.S. Green Building Council is leading the “Building Health Initiative” that seeks to improve the indoor environment of green buildings.
| Oct 31, 2013
OSHA enacts 47-day extension for comment period on silica-exposure rule
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has extended the public comment period on its silica-dust exposure rule by 47 days.
| Oct 31, 2013
Updates to California’s building codes take effect Jan. 1
Green-building and accessibility are the major themes of the 2013 updates to California’s construction codes that are set to take effect Jan. 1.
| Oct 31, 2013
IECC code updates include better lighting controls and new HVAC technology
The proposed new code will increase the mandatory installation of occupancy sensors and daylighting controls to many new types of spaces.