A report issued by the Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recommends stricter adherence to existing building standards and model building codes, good building practices, and a greater recognition of the risks posed by storm surge in order to minimize the kind of structural damage experienced in the Gulf Coast states hit by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita last year.

The report documented the findings of experts from private-sector, academic, and federal entities who studied the performance of a variety of physical structures during the storms. It made 23 recommendations for specific improvements in the way that buildings, physical infrastructure (such as bridges and utilities), and residential structures are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated in hurricane-prone regions across the United States — not just in the states affected by Katrina and Rita. Some examples include:

Many roofing failures resulted from an inadequate number of fasteners being used in installation or fasteners being incorrectly located. NIST recommends that state and localities consider licensing roofing contractors, continually educating contractors, and implementing field inspection programs to monitor roofs under construction.

Wind-borne gravel from building rooftops causes a great deal of damage to nearby structures. Model building codes should not permit this type of roofing in high-wind zones.

Several buildings were rendered inoperable because critical equipment, such as electrical systems and backup electrical generators, was located at or below grade and damaged by floodwaters. Adoption and enforcement of existing model code provisions require a building's critical equipment to be placed above potential flood levels.

Masonry wall failures could have been prevented had the walls been properly anchored and reinforced as required by model codes.

“The NIST report confirms that stronger building codes in the coastal states would have lessened the damage done there by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita,” said David Reddick, senior state affairs manager for the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies. “To their credit, state lawmakers have begun to recognize the importance of stronger building codes and have taken some actions this year in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, but they now need to be persuaded to enact legislation that would implement the other recommendations outlined in the NIST report.”

Special Reports /

Model Building Codes Outlined for Gulf

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