flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Surfside condo collapse could spur new legislation

Codes and Standards

Surfside condo collapse could spur new legislation

Natl. Institute of Standards and Technology is investigating.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | July 7, 2021

The deadly condominium-building collapse at the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Fla., may spawn new legislation and regulations.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has joined in the structural reviews being conducted by local and county officials. NIST participation is unusual, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis, as the agency typically investigates events such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters.

Fla. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz said the findings could have long-term implications on federal oversight and federal law on building construction and code-enforcement decisions. The review examines potential foundational defects in the pool area and other structural issues to help answer if conditions were unique to the 12-story multifamily structure.

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Mar 14, 2019

U.S. and Canada differ on how to evaluate field performance of windows, curtain walls

Variations include laboratory test method for determining rate of air leakage.

Codes and Standards | Mar 13, 2019

Climate change can’t be stabilized without addressing urban sprawl

Even if power goes green, transportation will still be a major emissions source.

Codes and Standards | Mar 12, 2019

Virginia county hones new rainwater harvesting standard

Developer prompts new rules to use rainwater for heating and air conditioning.

Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2019

Portland delays requirement for posted warnings on unreinforced brick and stone buildings

Regulation would mandate signs warning that buildings could be unsafe during earthquakes.

Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2019

California will allow flame retardant-free building insulation

State also repeals business furniture flammability standard.

Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2019

Persistent flooding having economic impact on coastal cities

Atlantic City, Annapolis among communities affected.

Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2019

$1 billion Boston hospital project to include extensive disaster resiliency features

Mass. General expansion will be designed for four days of shelter in place.

Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2019

U.S. cities have become more dangerous for bicyclists and pedestrians

Reduced speed limits, traffic calming, better education seen as keys to improvement.

Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2019

High-income renters now the fastest-growing housing market segment

Growth is fastest in mid-sized cities with strong economies.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category


Resiliency

U.S. is reducing floodplain development in most areas

The perception that the U.S. has not been able to curb development in flood-prone areas is mostly inaccurate, according to new research from climate adaptation experts. A national survey of floodplain development between 2001 and 2019 found that fewer structures were built in floodplains than might be expected if cities were building at random.



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