Due to the implementation of the new International Building Code and associated family of codes there has been a shift in the approach to fire safe construction that has had a negative impact on life safety, property protection and the concrete industry. Multi-family and other multi-story buildings can now be built above grade using wood or steel systems as long as the proper fire suppression and warning systems are installed. Many ready mix producers are just now realizing what the block and pre-cast concrete producers have known for some time now; that they are loosing market share due to this design shift.
But we GOT the job!
At first, ready mix producers did not see the losses, since with each new project, they were still getting concrete on the jobs with footers, slabs on grade and exterior pavements. The fact that the above grade walls and floors were now being constructed with wood or steel systems instead of tilt-up, ICF's or cast-in-place didn't register as a loss at first. The realization that the adoption of the new IBC codes has hurt their industry has finally hit home for many ready mix suppliers....... So what are they doing about it?
Industry Participation is KEY!
The Fire Safe Construction Advisory Council (FSCAC) is an educational organization dedicated to increasing the knowledge and awareness of design professionals and the general public to the added value and inherent fire-safe nature of construction technologies which utilize non-combustible CONCRETE materials.
FSCAC is a coalition of concrete industry organizations dedicated to improving property protection and life safety through """"Balanced Design"""" and use of non-combustible concrete construction (NC3). FSCAC is currently working with building code and fire officials and other design professionals throughout the Northeastern United States.
Balanced Design....What does it mean?
A balanced approach to designing buildings for fire safety combines the benefits of (1) Containment - using non-combustible concrete construction, (2) Detection Systems - smoke alarms, and (3) Suppression Systems - sprinklers. Safety is provided through the redundant nature of BALANCED DESIGN - a combination of Passive and Active fire protection.
What's being done now?
FSCAC activities include trying to change the current ASTM methodology for testing fire assemblies - ASTM E119. This test allows certain materials to artificially perform at a higher level than would be expected in the field. (In essence, negating the many advantages concrete has over other construction materials). In addition, FSCAC is trying to address the false perception of legislators, code-officials, and design professionals that non-combustible concrete construction is much more costly than other alternatives. The members of FSCAC realized that the resistance to the """"Balanced Design"""" approach was a combination of the code and testing issues along with the perception of elevated costs.
Why a Comprehensive Cost Study?
There had been no reliable published documentation available to refute the false perceptions of higher building costs associated with the """"Balanced Design"""" approach. So a comprehensive and independent cost study was commissioned by the three regional FSCAC groups and the Northeast Cement Shippers Association. This study addresses the initial costs of construction for multi-story, multi-family residential structures using concrete-based products as compared to wood/gypsum and steel alternatives. The study documents favorably the comparisons of true costs and dispels the assumption that concrete products are too expensive.
NY/NE FSCAC has published the study and the author, Walter Schneider, PhD, P.E., a principal at John C. Haas Associates, an architectural and engineering firm located in State College, PA, will be presenting the results during regional seminars aimed at not only concrete industry personnel, but architects, engineers, code officials and legislators.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Although the New York Concrete Promotion Council (NYCPC) does participate in the activities of the NY/NE FSCAC group, we are not officially an Association member, due to our budget constraints. The ready mix producers of NYS need to get behind what groups like the FSCAC are doing. Whether you are part of the promotion effort through NYCPC or not, your support and participation is critical. To learn more about how you can get involved, or to learn about when the Cost Study Seminar will be in your area, please call me at (585) 436-8310.
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The NRCMA recently sponsored a Concrete Technology Forum focusing on Pervious Concrete in Nashville. Over 300 construction industry professionals attended this very informative conference. Topics included: Hydrological and Environmental Design, Structural and Site Design, Specifications, Mix Design and Test Methods, Construction Techniques, Durability and Maintenance, Applications and Case Studies. If you would like more information on what was discussed at the Pervious Conference, please contact me at (585) 436-8310, or to learn more about Pervious Concrete in general, go to 
