Title:
Call to Arms to Avoid Future Building Collapses
Author(s):
Jose Izquierdo
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
3/28/2022
Abstract:
Through several material associations the USA keeps upgrading the Construction Codes to meet state of the art research for building technology and modernize the industry. The International Building Code joins them into the Building Code used nowadays. Natural disasters like Hurricanes, Tornadoes and Earthquakes serve as tests to promote research that eventually migrate into codes in order to prevent or mitigate damages in future natural disasters. The scientific/engineering community reacts to failures and disasters by learning from failures and improving and modifying the building codes. Yet the government or communities do not react to potential danger to existing buildings in other areas and provide recommendations for repair and strengthening. USA lacks a nationwide policy of mandatory upgrading of housing, buildings and infrastructure. There are mandatory upgrades in certain states or cities (example: Los Angeles for earthquake upgrades of schools). In addition, lack of maintenance has caused failures in infrastructure and buildings. We will present proposals to improve buildings and structures to reduce the risks of collapses.