The Champlain Towers South collapse in Surfside, Fla., could be a spark to ignite wholesale revisions to the state’s building codes similar to the effect of Hurricane Andrew.
It could take months to determine the cause of the deadly collapse, but consensus is growing that the tragedy will prompt action on what are some of the strictest building codes in the country. The disaster’s aftermath, some experts say, could be reminiscent of what happened after Hurricane Andrew, a category-5 cyclone that struck South Florida on Aug. 24, 1992, destroying more than 25,000 homes.
Florida’s building code was revamped following Andrew to construct more robust structures resistant to strong winds. The Surfside collapse could well lead to provisions that address sea level rise and growing hydrostatic pressure on structures. One option might be mandates for the use of corrosion-resistant rebars made of glass fiber reinforced polymers.
A new code might also have to contend with saltwater intrusion into the aquifer system that could render septic tanks and wells less viable. It might also have to address fair weather ‘King Tide’ flooding events.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 8, 2019
Pittsburgh launches task force on construction industry fraud
Focus will be on wage violations.
Codes and Standards | Jan 7, 2019
Program uses low-cost sensors to monitor impact of stormwater mitigation systems
University/municipal partnership in Philadelphia aims to improve green infrastructure design.
Codes and Standards | Jan 7, 2019
Washington, D.C., to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2032
Includes measures to reduce emissions from buildings and transportation.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2019
Canada’s National Building Code will include climate change obligations
New durability requirements for new buildings in the works.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2019
LEED v4.1 beta registration begins in January
First releases are O+M, BD+C, and ID+C.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2019
U.S. Appeals Court says general contractors can be cited for subcontractor violations
Ruling will prompt review of OSH decision that said GCs cannot be held liable for subs’ violations.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2019
Tall mass timber code changes receive final approval
New provisions to be included in the 2021 International Building Code.
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2019
ASHRAE’s Low-Rise Residential Buildings standard update now available
Performance measures are at least 50% more efficient than 2006 IECC.
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2019
Study compares labor hours for various low-slope roofing options
Type of roof covering, project parameters, tool management, and crew efficiency all impact profitability.
Codes and Standards | Dec 20, 2018
New York’s ‘Scaffold Law’ under fire for driving up project costs
Lawmakers under pressure to reform law that makes contractors 100% liable for work-site injuries.
