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 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)
- Sprinklers, restricted festival seating, crowd manager, and egress inspection record keeping requirements for new and existing facilities adopted in NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code)
World Trade Center (2001)
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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)
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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)
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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)
- 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