May 29 2019
Building Safety Month ends by week 5. Its focus is on how technological developments lead to safer and more resilient homes.
The theme “Innovations in Safety” of this week analyzes technologies that have been applied to develop buildings that are more efficient and at the same time anticipates that new designs can provide a safer future.
Three-dimensional (3D) automated construction technology is one of the new technologies that is set to transform the industry. The benefits of using 3D technology in construction are rapid production, reduced costs, and less waste.
At present, ICC Evaluation Services (a member of the Code Council’s group of companies) works in collaboration with a most successful 3D construction company to create building code compliance for constructing one-story, single-unit, residential dwelling walls with 3D technology.
An additional example is drones, which are being used more and more on construction sites to maintain security and observe building damage following a natural disaster. Someday, technicians might potentially use drones to inspect tasks like masonry and painting, which will increase the productivity of the worker.
New plumbing technologies are available to help communities and homeowners better save water. These are specifically important after recent droughts in the United States and worldwide. For instance, the 2018 International Plumbing Code includes new technologies comprising of detailed engineered designs and non-water urinals that can enable installation of smaller, more precise water usage and water drainage systems, leading to savings of millions of gallons of water.
Emerging technologies will help the building industry become more productive, efficient and eco-friendly. We are committed to developing codes and standards that reflect innovations in building technologies and enable them to become more widely adopted.
Dominic Sims, CBO, Chief Executive Officer, International Code Council
The Gypsum Association is one of the sponsors of week 5 and supports the Code Council’s commitment to innovation and new technologies.
Building Safety Month is an opportunity to celebrate the Code Council’s work and draw attention to strategies that make our buildings safer, including the important role gypsum panel products play in passive fire resistance. We are continuously working to innovate and improve our products, and commend the Code Council for shining a light on new building technologies.
Stephen H. Meima, MBA, APR, LEED Green Associate, Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Director, Gypsum Association