State, national and international building safety codes exist to keep high-rise buildings safe. This type of building is measured at 75 feet or higher, and the higher it’s built, the more hazardous it becomes to its occupants and passersby. There must be strict regulations in place to provide safety against the following mishaps.
Structural Collapses
Most high-rise buildings are made of steel and reinforced concrete, so structural collapses are possible but very rare. This occurs when internal load bearing structural elements weaken and disintegrate due to fires, natural disasters and poor building designs. An important regulation is to perform annual inspections to check that the building is in good condition.
Anti-Terrorism
After the 9/11 attacks, structural engineers have been more cautious about the methods that they use to construct high-rise buildings. Building owners have realized that terrorists can target people where they are the most vulnerable, which are the highest floors. Modern skyscrapers are equipped with fire alarms, emergency alert systems and several stairwells to help people escape.
Geological Risks
Tall buildings need to be protected from the dangers of natural disasters. The first step of construction is to find a stable land that is not in a disaster zone where flooding or earthquakes occur often. There are regulations that set rules for land suitability for building.
Fire Safety
Fire safety regulations are necessary to have in every building. A skyscraper needs at least two stairwells in case one is not working during a fire. There also needs to be a fire alarm with emergency lights and an automatic sprinkler system along with a ventilation system to remove smoke from the rooms.
Plane Safety
There are height restriction laws in place to keep buildings safe. Buildings that are too tall may sway or collapse under the excessive weight. It’s also dangerous to have where airports are located nearby.
People who experience the greatest loss of life and property damages are those who underestimate the potential for disaster. Evacuating every occupant of a high-rise building is nearly impossible if the stairwells are blocked. Every problem needs a solution that must be resolved with the use of building safety codes and regulations. These rules are necessary to move people in and out of danger more quickly and efficiently.