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 | May 12, 2021
White paper examines how to reduce pathogen transmission in ventilation
Pressure barriers and airflow distribution can be effective in existing buildings.
Codes and Standards | May 11, 2021
Pressure builds on White House to rein in cost of lumber
Spike in prices has added nearly $36,000 to price of average new home.
Codes and Standards | May 11, 2021
Residential codes should be upgraded to protect from cooking pollutants
Report examines ventilation standards, calls for increased public awareness of issue.
Codes and Standards | May 6, 2021
Blue roofs can provide relief to overwhelmed stormwater systems
Benefits most evident in industrial commercial areas.
Codes and Standards | May 5, 2021
Majority of schools took steps to improve air quality during pandemic
Districts still have unmet needs, face high costs and outdated building infrastructure.
Codes and Standards | May 4, 2021
Cost to keep Miami dry over next few decades is $4 billion
Rising seas demand big investment.
Codes and Standards | May 3, 2021
Fire stops critical to preserving three-decker housing
Old multi-family structures continue to provide badly needed homes in urban zones.
Codes and Standards | Apr 29, 2021
Dept. of Energy publishes energy savings analysis for ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2019
More than 4% savings for commercial buildings found for the updated code.
Codes and Standards | Apr 28, 2021
Building-integrated solar power turns buildings into power plants
Multiple alternatives could replace or complement rack-mounted PV arrays.
Codes and Standards | Apr 27, 2021
Ten real estate groups sign on to New York State’s high-rise decarbonization challenge
Each signee commits to carbon neutrality in one or more high-rise buildings it owns.