A recent spate of sinkholes due to failing infrastructure in the U.S. points to neglected maintenance.
From early December through April 2017, 39 significant sinkholes related to failing infrastructure struck across the country. One person was killed and four were injured in the incidents. In addition, extensive evacuations and disruption of utilities resulted.
In December, a football-field-sized hole suddenly swallowed parts of three houses and a section of road in a Detroit suburb. Typical causes of these collapses are crumbling water, drain, and sewer pipes. Cities beset by budget problems are at particular risk.
A recent report by the American Society of Civil Engineers said that public spending is running far short of what's needed to replace water and wastewater systems. ASCE said the funding gap was estimated at $105 billion today, up from $55 billion in 2010.
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.