Following the terrorist attacks of September 11th, several industries began to make drastic changes to the way they conducted business. Airlines, the Transportation Security Administration, varying other security agencies, and even the construction industry started questioning their current systems, realizing there were some inherent flaws. For the construction industry, the primary question raised following 9/11 was this:
Why did the towers collapse?
Now, after nearly 5 years of research and $40 million, we finally have answers. From those answers, we have been given recommendations on how to improve high-rise building design and functionality. These recommendations were developed to address any potential emergency situation – including earthquakes, widespread power outages, tornadoes and other events – not just another terrorist attack.
The recommendations found in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) report are broken into eight subject areas. They are:
•Increased structural integrity.
•Enhanced fire resistance of structures.
•New methods for fire resistant design of structures.
•Improved active fire protection.
•Improved building evacuation.
• Improved emergency response.
•Improved procedures and practices.
•Continuing education and training.
While it is unlikely that all of these recommendations will go into full effect, becoming actual building codes, it is obvious that there is a need for change.
If you have any questions or if you have a construction project that you need completed right the first time, please contact Reliable Contracting by calling 410-987-0313 or visit our website.
Reliable Contracting maintains a reputation as a leader in the construction industry. Our clientele includes builders, developers, individuals and government agencies. With projects ranging in cost from $10,000 to over $10 million, Reliable can be seen working on Maryland’s roads, highways, airports, office parks, shopping centers, hospitals, churches, and residential neighborhoods earning our reputation by providing clients with consistent quality and dedication to their projects.
Reliable Contracting Company serves the following and surrounding Counties: Annapolis, Queen Anne’s, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Calvert, Caroline, Charles, Howard, Prince George, St. Mary’s, Talbot, and Washington D.C.
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