Adam RollinsThe American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has updated the standards for design and construction in flood prone areas. The changes represent some of the most significant alterations to the ASCE Flood Resistant Design and Construction (ASCE 24-24) since their release in 1998.
The United States has seen an accelerated rise and in coastal and inland flooding over the past decade, a change attributable to climate change factors such as increasing rainfall levels, rising oceans and shifting weather patterns. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) predicts that flooding is only expected to increase in frequency, depth, intensity and extent throughout the century.
Between 2010 and 2024, there have been 26 flood events that caused more than a billion dollars in damage, resulting in enormous losses in the floodplains due to increased growth in property exposure. The severe escalation in recent disasters is in stark contrast to the preceding three decades from the 1980s to the 2000s, which only saw a total of 19 billion-dollar flood events.
Amid intensifying climate risks, the need for updated building standards designed to withstand flood hazards has grown. The ASCE 24-24 outlines minimum requirements for flood resistant design and construction, targeting buildings located in flood hazard areas.
The most significant of the revisions is the redefinition of regulated flood hazard areas, which now includes land within the 500-year floodplain. In addition, the updated standards include minimum flood elevation requirements for buildings in flood hazard areas. Additional important revisions include:
- Requirements for rigorous testing of dry floodproofing solutions to ensure they meet minimum performance standards.
- Clarifications to Flood Design Class for agricultural, hospitals, healthcare and ambulatory care structures and facilities.
- Definitions for residential portions of mixed-use buildings and flood barriers and shields.
- The usage of flood mitigation pumps and valves to convey and remove accumulated water.
- Inspection and maintenance need and flood emergency operation plans.
- Placement of attendant utilities and equipment.
- Installment of automatic pressure control valves for gas and fuel supply lines.
The revised standard helps design and construction projects adhere to FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program, bolster public safety and reduce potential losses in future disasters.
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