WTC Investigation Raises Questions on Codes, Evacuation, and Emergency Response

During a media briefing on April 5, 2005 in New York City, the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will share the latest findings from its building and fire safety investigation of the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster on 9/11. Findings will be reported by Shyam Sunder, WTC lead investigator, and a final probable collapse sequence for the two towers shared. According to NIST, “He will also discuss what has been learned from three projects within the WTC investigation – analysis of building and fire codes and practices; occupant behavior, egress, and emergency communications; and fire service technologies and guidelines.” A public briefing is scheduled for the afternoon of April 5, with full reports from the three projects and other projects released to the public at a later date. By investigating the events at the WTC on 9/11, NIST hopes to learn and recommend improvements in the way people design, construct, maintain, and use buildings, thereby increasing occupant safety and structural integrity.To find out more, visit the National Institute of Standards and Technology website (www.nist.gov).