FireDOC Search

Author
Foster, B.
Title
European Systems for Evaluation and Approval of Innovations in Buildings.
Coporate
National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC
Report
NBS BSS 001
January 1970
Book or Conf
National Bureau of Standards. Performance of Buildings - Concept and Measurement. Proceedings of the 1st Conference in a Series of Conferences on Man and His Shelter. September 23-25, 1968, Gaithersburg, MD, Walton, W. W.; Cadoff, B. C., Editors, 31-36 p., 1970
Keywords
building design | housing | planning | architecture | specifications | standards | evaluation | regulations | life (durability) | occupants
Identifiers
France; Great Britain; Germnay; Denmark; Netherlands; UEAct-Agrement Union
Abstract
In an organized society it is necessary to regulate the design and construction of buildings to meet several different types of requirements. Building codes are concerned primarily with the life-safety and health of the building occupant. Exit adequacy for an emergency, fire endurance, and sanitation of plumbing are examples of such requirements. Additional concepts are imposed by those who insure buildings. For example, in the case of fire insurance, in addition to building features designed to insure safe evacuation by occupants of the building, more stringent requirements are needed to confine an unwanted fire so that firemen can save the structure and minimize property damage. Still other regulations may be called for by the mortgage industry. The building must not only be constructed to remain safe, it must in addition, continue to be marketable. This involves control of architectural features, but more importantly consideration of the durability of materials and components to insure adequate long-time performance.