Have you ever wondered how a building was able to keep from falling down during an earthquake or strong wind? It’s the same answer for how your home stays warm during the winter and cool during the summer. The answer is the science behind the codes.
Building codes are made up of requirements for how to design and construct homes and buildings. These code requirements are based on science that involves research in many different areas, including flood proofing, fire-resistance, structural strength, wind design, sustainability, safe drinking water, airflow, energy efficiency, and more. When science reveals ways to improve an area of building safety, these findings can be included in the code requirements and standards.
That is why it is important for communities to adopt the most up-to-date building codes, so new construction and remodeling or repair of existing buildings can truly benefit from the science behind the codes.
Resources-
Engineering for Kids: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/engineering.html
How Buildings Work: http://www.explainthatstuff.com/howbuildingswork.html
FEMA Fact Sheet: https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/100138
Article Content Courtesy of: International Code Council- http://www.iccsafe.org/about-icc/building-safety-month/week-two/
