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
| Mar 27, 2013
New BACnet standard offers significant improvements to alarm handling
Changes to the newly published BACnet standard from ASHRAE will encourage smart building automation controls systems including alarms.
| Mar 27, 2013
CEIR releases tool that measures energy, environmental benefits of roof systems
The Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing (CEIR) released its new RoofPoint Energy and Carbon Calculator that is designed to help roofing professionals measure the energy and environmental benefits of modern roof system technologies.
| Mar 27, 2013
Sustainable wood controversy leads to LEED ‘backlash bill’ in Florida House
A Florida House bill that says state agencies should decide on a project-by-project basis which green certification standards are used on state construction passed a subcommittee vote 12-1.
| Mar 19, 2013
Colorado Zero Energy District project shows how businesses can reach zero-energy standard
An ambitious experiment in Fort Collins, Colo., is supporting development of the nation’s first major urban zero-energy district.
| Mar 19, 2013
New LEED for Neighborhood Development and Historic Preservation guide released
A new guidance manual, LEED for Neighborhood Development and Historic Preservation, outlines strategies geared towards helping building teams incorporate historic resources into their developments.
| Mar 19, 2013
Senate bill would reform EPA’s lead renovation, repair, and painting rules
A bill to reform the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (LRRP) was recently introduced in the U.S. Senate.
| Mar 19, 2013
Boston mayor’s energy efficiency disclosure rule under fire
A proposed ordinance in Boston mandating energy audits is coming under criticism from the Greater Boston Real Estate Board and others as being too costly and intrusive.
| Mar 18, 2013
USGBC to GAO: 'Schools need over $271 billion in maintenance fixes'
The Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has released its first “State of our Schools” report, highlighting the critical need to modernize school facilities to meet current health, safety and educational standards.
| Mar 14, 2013
Survey: Market demand now key driver for green construction
Construction firms across the world expect 60% of their projects to be environmentally friendly by 2015, according to the SmartMarket Report of McGraw-Hill Construction.
| Mar 14, 2013
Possible tax code changes prompt action from various industries, including construction
With Congress potentially tackling tax reform, businesses, trade groups and others are jockeying to get their voices heard.