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Impacts and Recommendations

Impacts and Recommendations

Since 1969, NIST has investigated about 40 earthquakes, hurricanes, building and construction failures, tornadoes, and fires—all with the ultimate aim of identifying improvements in codes, standards, practices, and technologies.

Recommendations Resulting from Studies

NIST Investigation of the May 22, 2011 Joplin, MO, Tornado Recommendations

NIST Investigation of the Charleston Sofa Store Recommendations

NIST Investigation of The Station Nightclub Fire Recommendations

NIST Investigation of the World Trade Center Disaster Recommendations

Impacts

Some impacts of NIST Disaster and Failure Studies include:

The Station Nightclub Fire (2003)

1. Requirements for automatic water sprinklers were changed significantly-

  • The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) changed the model building and fire code to require automatic water sprinklers in existing nightclub facilities with occupant loads greater than 100. It also required that all new nightclub facilities to be sprinklered. This was adopted in the 2006 editions of the codes.
  • The International Code Council (ICC) changed the International Fire Code (IFC) to require assembly occupancies, such as nightclubs, to be sprinklered where occupant loads were greater than 100. (The previous requirement was greater than 300 occupants.)

2. Adoption and enforcement of model codes-

  • Rhode Island adopted NFPA 1 and NFPA 101, and strengthened the fire marshal's enforcement power.

3. Strengthening of restrictions on foam plastic finish material-

  • NIST is working with Underwriters Laboratories, ASTM, and National Fire Protection Association to conduct the research needed to support changes in building and fire codes and standards. This will be a long term effort as NIST works with multiple standards committees including UL 94, ASTM E84, NFPA 255 and NFPA 286.

4. Strengthening of restrictions on use of pyrotechnics -

  • Rhode Island strengthened restrictions to prohibit use of pyrotechnics in places of assembly including nightclubs.

5. Increased factor of safety on egress-

  • NFPA restricted festival seating in new and existing facilities if occupant load is greater than 250, unless life-safety evaluation is conducted (adopted in 2006).
  • NFPA required trained crowd managers for existing and new assembly occupancies.

6. Portable fire extinguishers requirement-

  • Rhode Island now requires two 20-pound extinguishers in stage areas.

World Trade Center (2001)

Jarrell, TX, Tornado (1997)

  • Enhanced Fujita (EF) Tornado Intensity Scale adopted by NOAA's National Weather Service

Northridge Earthquake (1994)

  • Design guidelines for seismic rehabilitation of existing welded steel frame buildings adopted by American Institute of Steel Construction

Hurricane Andrew (1992)

  • Upgraded wind load provisions adopted in HUD's Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards

DuPont Plaza Hotel Fire, San Juan PR (1986)

  • Passage of the Hotel-Motel Sprinkler Act

L' Ambiance Plaza, Hartford CT (1982)

  • Improvements in OSHA's safety and inspection requirements for lift-slab construction
Created May 5, 2011, Updated June 2, 2021