Resilient design standard open for public comment

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has opened the next edition of ASCE 24, Flood Resistant Design and Construction, for public comment. The standard is referenced in the International Codes® (I-Codes®) and states the minimum requirements and expected performance for the siting, design and construction of buildings and structures in flood hazard areas that are subject to building code requirements.

In the updated edition, which is open for public comment until Sept. 26, ASCE 24 is recommending that buildings in flood design Class 4, such as hospitals and health care facilities that have surgery or emergency treatment facilities, meet a mean recurrence interval (MRI) of 1,000 years. While ASCE 24 has multiple methodologies for determining the exact requirement for flood-resistant design and construction, this proposed change will significantly impact the ability to perform new construction and substantial improvements to existing health care facilities.

To access the public comment draft and to make comments, sign up for an account on the ASCE public comment webpage.