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 StudiesImpactsNIST 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
Some impacts of NIST Disaster and Failure Studies include:
The Station Nightclub Fire (2003)
1. Requirements for automatic water sprinklers were changed significantly-
2. Adoption and enforcement of model codes-
3. Strengthening of restrictions on foam plastic finish material-
4. Strengthening of restrictions on use of pyrotechnics -
5. Increased factor of safety on egress-
6. Portable fire extinguishers requirement-
World Trade Center (2001)
Changes to ICC Building Codes Consistent with Recommendations from NIST's WTC Towers Investigation (Approved at the Final Action Hearings of the International Code Council, May 2010)
Changes to ICC Building and Fire Codes Consistent with Recommendations from NIST's WTC Towers Investigation (Approved at the Final Action Hearings of the International Code Council Minneapolis, Minn., September 15-21, 2008)
Changes to the NFPA Building and Fire Codes Consistent with Recommendations from NIST's WTC Investigation (Approved at the NFPA Annual Meeting and Standards Council Action on 2009 Documents, July 2008)
Jarrell, TX, Tornado (1997)
Northridge Earthquake (1994)
Hurricane Andrew (1992)
DuPont Plaza Hotel Fire, San Juan PR (1986)
L' Ambiance Plaza, Hartford CT (1982)