NIST Study on Joplin, MO, Tornado Prompts Adoption of Improved Building Codes

New recommendations based on National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) research on improved buildings and shelters were approved at a recent International Code Council (ICC) meeting, reports NRMCA Vice President, Sustainability, Codes and Standards Tien Peng. The improved requirements will be published in ICC's 2018 International Building Code (IBC) and 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) and will apply to the nation's most tornado-prone regions, from northern Texas to central Minnesota and from western Oklahoma to western Pennsylvania.

According to NIST's news release, they will require enhanced protection for new school buildings and additions to buildings on existing school campuses, as well as facilities associated with schools where people regularly assemble, such as a gymnasium, theater or community center. Storm shelters must be provided that protect all occupants from storms with wind speeds of 250 mph, representing the maximum-intensity category EF-5 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Concrete shelters meet the requirements for occupant life safety and health requirements.

The May 22, 2011, Joplin tornado, rated EF–5 on the Enhanced Fujita tornado intensity scale, caused 161 fatalities and more than 1,000 injuries, making it the deadliest single tornado on record in the U.S. since official records were begun in 1950.