of Code Change Proposals
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IBHS President and CEO Julie Rochman (right) explains how fans are used to simulate high wind events at the state-of-the-art research facility in South Carolina to Code Council Senior Vice President of Technical Services Tom Frost (left) and Chief Operating Officer Dominic Sims. |
"The Code Council and its members are eager to work with IBHS and its new, state-of-the-art research facility to further advance the science of building safety," said ICC Chief Operating Officer Dominic Sims. "The development, adoption and enforcement of technically advanced codes is at the core of ICC's mission to develop safe and more durable communities across the U.S. and around the globe."
"We are very happy to be broadening and deepening our working relationship with the International Code Council this year," added IBHS President and Chief Executive Officer Julie Rochman. "Data from our work at the unique IBHS Research Center must be translated into specific, actionable items for architects, engineers, building owners, and other stakeholders in the built environment. Integrating our scientific findings into the codes will be a highly effective way to disseminate this valuable information to the people who need it."
The research at the center will be multi-faceted in approach, to include:
• Full-scale testing of residential, light commercial and agricultural issues
• Physical testing of individual structural components and building systems
• Evaluation of existing/potential test methods and metrics
• Statistical/data analysis
• Case studies
• Transparent, objective research methodology
Research Center staff will coordinate and leverage resources through partnerships with manufacturers, trade groups and other researchers and research organizations.
The Center will feature full-scale testing of buildings and construction components. A two-track research program allows IBHS to address catastrophic issues as well as more isolated, but expensive, maintenance-related issues like plumbing system failure and interior fires. IBHS says "the findings will be used in aggressive consumer education and advocacy campaigns, and to supply vital data to developing public policies in areas such as building codes and land use."
IBHS SVP of Research and Chief Engineer Timothy A. Reinhold added, "The Center will also foster a broader understanding of what can be accomplished with sustainable construction by providing training to builders, building officials, architects, engineers, insurance personnel and others with a professional interest in the field."
IBHS is a nonprofit, scientific and educational organization supported by the property insurance industry. The organization works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other risks to residential and commercial property by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparation practices.