New York’s Building Code Reflects High-Rise Concerns
A series of revisions to New York Citys building code, based partly on lessons learned from the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, are coming up for legislative and mayoral approval this summer.
"Building code officials have expanded the thinking for newand difficult situations, especially for those we are not equipped to research," says Patricia J. Lancaster, New York City Commissioner of Buildings. The National Institute of Standards and Technology, for instance, is analyzing stair enclosures, building hardening, new products and elevator enclosures without concrete or concrete block that could affect structural loads. New concepts are being developed, such as sheetrock with Lexan (a high-performance polycarbonate plastic) in the middle, and use of ceramic materials, not yet rated or tested.