It goes without saying that the collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Fla. on June 24, 2021 was a complete shock and tragedy. While the cause of the collapse has yet to be determined, the question of safety, building codes, concrete and high-rise structures has been the topic of discussion as of late, and likely will be for some time to come.
It’s important to know the local and up-to-date building codes in the area you’re designing. In addition to state-wide requirements, some counties have their own specific provisions, such as Miami-Dade. These codes exist solely to ensure the safety of the habitants. The codes also include material standards, design loading and durability requirements.