U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology code revision recommendations in the wake of the World Trade Center terrorist attacks are being implemented in new high-rise construction, including One World Trade Center, the lead building of the new World Trade Center complex.
New requirements include:
- Buildings taller than 420 feet are now required to include an extra exit stairwell or a specially designed elevator that occupants can use for evacuations
- Stairwells in buildings more than 75 feet high must now have glow-in-the-dark markings that show the exit path even when lighting is out or dim
- Spray-applied fire-resistive materials must perform four times more effectively than current requirements in buildings 75 to 420 feet tall, and more than seven times better in buildings taller than 420 feet. BD+C
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 9, 2021
Florida state building professionals call for mandatory high-rise building inspections
Group recommendation comes in wake of Surfside condo collapse.
Codes and Standards | Nov 8, 2021
Dept. of Energy to fund 10 pilot smart building projects
Connected communities will accelerate renewable energy adoption and grid resilience.
Codes and Standards | Nov 3, 2021
Fact sheets offer strategies to improve indoor air quality in schools
Center for Green Schools at USGBC document for people without a technical background.
Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2021
Rapid acceleration of affordable housing development expected over next five years
Federal government programs will spur construction.
Codes and Standards | Nov 1, 2021
New bird-friendly technical design guide released
National Glass Assn. document offers design and installation best practices for glazing.
Codes and Standards | Nov 1, 2021
World’s first chief heat officer tackles how to protect Miamians from extreme heat
Focus on chronic exposure for outdoor workers and for those that can’t afford AC.
Codes and Standards | Oct 28, 2021
Design competition launched to show role of mass timber in decarbonization
Forest Service and Softwood Lumber Board will award $2 million in grants to winning teams.
Codes and Standards | Oct 27, 2021
Texas reforms series of contractor laws
Measures seen as making it easier to do business in the state.
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2021
Drownings during Hurricane Ida point out FEMA flood map flaws
Eleven people drowned in New York City in areas marked as low risk.
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2021
Dept. of Energy’s REScheck tool updated for the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code
Previous version incorporated 2018 code.