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
Sponsored | Resiliency | Dec 14, 2022
Flood protection: What building owners need to know to protect their properties
This course from Walter P Moore examines numerous flood protection approaches and building owner needs before delving into the flood protection process. Determining the flood resilience of a property can provide a good understanding of risk associated costs.
HVAC | Dec 13, 2022
Energy Management Institute launches online tool to connect building owners with HVAC contractors
The National Energy Management Institute Inc. (NEMI) along with the Biden administration’s Better Air in Buildings website have rolled out a resource to help building owners and managers, school districts, and other officials find HVAC contractors.
Green | Dec 9, 2022
Reaching carbon neutrality in building portfolios ranks high for organizations
Reaching carbon neutrality with their building portfolios ranks high in importance among sustainability goals for organizations responding to a Honeywell/Reuters survey of senior executives at 187 large, multinational corporations. Nearly nine in 10 respondents (87%) say that achieving carbon neutrality in their building portfolio is either extremely (58%) or somewhat (29%) important in relation to their overall ESG goals. Only 4% of respondents called it unimportant.
Green | Dec 9, 2022
Newly formed Net Zero Built Environment Council aims to decarbonize the built world
Global management consulting firm McKinsey recently launched the Net Zero Built Environment Council, a cross-sector coalition of industry stakeholders aiming to decarbonize the built world. The council’s chief goal is to collaboratively create new pathways to cut greenhouse gas emissions from buildings.
Energy Efficiency | Dec 6, 2022
Washington state’s Building Code Council mandates heat pumps in all new residential construction
The Washington State Building Code Council has voted to require heat pumps for all new residential construction starting in July 2023. The new mandate has drawn criticism over concerns that it will add costs to housing construction, especially given current supply chain challenges for heat pumps.
Geothermal Technology | Dec 6, 2022
Google spinoff uses pay-as-you-go business model to spur growth in geothermal systems
Dandelion Energy is turning to a pay-as-you-go plan similar to rooftop solar panel leasing to help property owners afford geothermal heat pump systems.
Contractors | Dec 6, 2022
Slow payments cost the construction industry $208 billion in 2022
The cost of floating payments for wages and invoices represents $208 billion in excess cost to the construction industry, a 53% increase from 2021, according to a survey by Rabbet, a provider of construction finance software.
Multifamily Housing | Dec 6, 2022
Miami-Dade County will allow accessory dwelling units
Commissioners in Miami-Dade County, Fla., recently voted to allow many single-family homeowners to rent out accessory dwelling units on their property. Many homeowners will be allowed to rent out garages, separate quarters, or detached backyard apartments if they meet certain standards including for lot size and parking.
Steel Buildings | Dec 6, 2022
2022 AISC Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges released
The American Institute of Steel Construction recently released an updated revision of one of its flagship standards, the Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges (ANSI/AISC 303-22). The code was last updated in 2016. The latest version is available as a free download at aisc.org/2022code.
Multifamily Housing | Dec 6, 2022
Support for multifamily rent control legislation grows as metros face big rent hikes
Steep rent increases during the pandemic recovery have spurred support for rent control legislation in several areas of the country.
