Reducing Losses From Natural Disasters Through Performance-Based Codes. ABSTRACT ONLY.
Reducing Losses From Natural Disasters Through
Performance-Based Codes. ABSTRACT ONLY.
(81 K)
Bukowski, R. W.
International Conference on Fire Research and
Engineering (ICFRE3), Third (3rd). Proceedings. Program
and Abstracts. Society of Fire Protection Engineers
(SFPE), National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST) and International Association of Fire Safety
Science (IAFSS). October 4-8, 1999, Chicago, IL,
Society of Fire Protection Engineers, Boston, MA, 1-1
pp, 1999.
Keywords:
fire research; fire protection engineering; performance
based codes; disasters; costs; weather effects
Abstract:
In the past decade natural disasters in the United
States have rung up staggering costs to the economy as
well as extensive loss of life and property. For
example, the 1993 midwest floods were estimated to have
resulted in $21B in losses, Hurricane Andrew produced
$30B in damage, the Northridge earthquake $15B, and
losses in the 1991 Oakland (CA) wildfires reached $3B.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as the
lead agency charged with responding to such disasters
has initiated an initiative aimed at mitigating these
losses through a multifaceted program that includes
improving the resistance of buildings to damage from
foreseeable incidents. In a separate effort, the
International Code Council (ICC) is developing a model
Performance-based Building Code for the U.S. This draft
code includes a, risk management matrix that establishes
multiple levels of performance expected of buildings to
fire, flood, wind, and seismic events as a function of
frequency and severity. Thus, this performance code may
represent a means to evaluate the degree to which a
given building design meets mitigation goals that might
be proposed by FEMA or other regulatory agencies. This
paper explores the possible application of the proposed
ICC risk matrix for such use. Using the risk matrix for
the performance measures and the verification methods
and acceptable solutions referenced in the ICC code,
regulatory authorities would have a framework for
controlling development in areas prone to specific
natural hazards, and FEMA would have a means to advance
their mitigation strategy.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899