flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

NIST releases report outlining steps to bolster disaster resiliency

Codes and Standards

NIST releases report outlining steps to bolster disaster resiliency

Offers immediate occupancy building codes and performance standards strategies.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | September 7, 2018

The National Institute of Standards and Technology recently submitted a report to Congress outlining steps to improve building functionality after natural disasters.

The report fills a request by Congress for “immediate occupancy (IO)” building codes and performance standards strategies to make more buildings more resilient to a wide variety of hazards. Existing standards and codes focus on reducing the likelihood of significant building damage or collapse, but do not typically address the need to preserve quality of life by keeping buildings habitable and functioning as normally as possible, a NIST official says.

Some of the obstacles to making buildings more functionally resilient after a natural disaster include:

— Convincing communities to invest in IO standards in advance of the event

— Clarifying the costs and benefits

— Influencing and incentivizing private owners to make the necessary investments in their buildings

— Determining special implementation procedures for public buildings since some do not have to comply with local codes

— Dealing with the old structures that tend to house the most at-risk populations

— Determining who is liable for building performance

— Encouraging collaboration in standards development

The report says that “increasing the performance goals for buildings would not be easily achieved, but the advantages may be substantial” and making them a reality “would entail a significant shift in practice for development, construction, and maintenance or retrofit of buildings.”

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2017

ConsensusDocs updates standard short contract editions

The updates address industry changes impacting insurance, legal, technology, and terminology.

Codes and Standards | Mar 3, 2017

ASCE updates standard for structures using tensile membrane

The new sstandard combines guidelines for conventional tensile membrane structures with frame-covered membrane structures.

Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2017

EPA's 2017 Construction General Permit now in effect

The regulation governs compliance with effluent limits.

Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2017

Concern grows for high tide flood vulnerability in Mid-Atlantic states

Washington, D.C., and Annapolis, Md., could flood every three days by 2045.

Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2017

Green building saves operating costs and boosts asset value

A new report shows 14% cost savings and a 7% increase in value when green standards are met.

Codes and Standards | Feb 24, 2017

Scant data hampering energy, water efficiency at sports venues

New NIBS report says baseline information needs further development.

Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2017

Plans for WELL Building Standard include linkage with other green building standards

The planned updated version will be customizable for any building type.

Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2017

Aging building code inspectors and government belt-tightening could cause crisis

Inspectors are edging toward retirement with no understudies in place.

Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2017

AISI publishes three new cold-formed steel framing research reports

Seismic simulation, roof trusses, steel-to-steel and sheathing-to-steel connections are examined in the reports.

Codes and Standards | Feb 17, 2017

New energy design guide for metal building systems now available

The second edition incorporates more recent IECC and ASHRAE standards.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category

Sustainability

Grimshaw launches free online tool to help accelerate decarbonization of buildings

Minoro, an online platform to help accelerate the decarbonization of buildings, was recently launched by architecture firm Grimshaw, in collaboration with more than 20 supporting organizations including World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), RIBA, Architecture 2030, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) and several national Green Building Councils from across the globe.




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021