Search
 

UPDATE: WTC Study Spurs Possible Code Improvement

NEW YORK CITY-Recommendations consistent with the National Institute of Standards and Technology's first 19 proposed changes to model building codes are submitted to the International Code Council. In total, the agency of the Commerce Department issued 30 recommendations from its investigation of the fires and collapses of the WTC towers.

By Barbara Jarvie | Updated on April 15, 2006

NEW YORK CITY-The first 19 proposed changes to model building codes based upon and consistent with the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s World Trade Center recommendations were submitted to the International Code Council. They were used as templates for codes legislated, implemented and enforced by state and local jurisdictions. The NIST released the recommendations last October .”Taken together, they are a robust, reasonable and appropriate set of advancements and, if adopted, would represent a significant improvement in public safety over current practice,” says WTC lead investigator Shyam Sunder.

The 19 proposed changes were submitted by building code experts associated with two ICC committees, the National Institute of Building Sciences and the US General Services Administration. They address areas such as increased resistance to building collapse from fire and other incidents, use of spray-applied fire resistive materials, performance and redundancy of fire protection systems, elevators for use by first responders and evacuating occupants, the number and location of stairwells, exit path markings, and fuel oil storage/piping.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited access to GlobeSt and other free ALM publications
  • Access to 15 years of GlobeSt archives
  • Your choice of GlobeSt digital newsletters and over 70 others from popular sister publications
  • 1 free article* every 30 days across the ALM subscription network
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

GlobeSt

Join GlobeSt

Don't miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed commercial real estate decisions. Join GlobeSt.com now!

  • Free unlimited access to GlobeSt.com's trusted and independent team of experts who provide commercial real estate owners, investors, developers, brokers and finance professionals with comprehensive coverage, analysis and best practices necessary to innovate and build business.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and GlobeSt events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join GlobeSt

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.