NIST Funds 11 Universities, Organizations to Conduct Research on Natural Disaster Impact on Structures

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has provided $6.6M in grant funds to 11 universities and organizations to conduct research that will provide greater insight into the effects of natural disasters on manmade structures in order to gain knowledge for improved building practices. According to NIST press release published August 08, research topics include wind-measuring sensor technology, the spread of fire in outdoor environments, and the modification of concrete walls to be less vulnerable to earthquakes. 

“Natural hazards represent a significant threat to the well-being of our communities. In 2018 alone, the U.S. experienced 14 separate billion-dollar events, with total losses exceeding $91 billion. And the monetary figure does not reflect the many lives lost and countless lives disrupted,” said Howard Harary, director at the NIST engineering laboratory.

He added, “Each of these grants represents research that is a substantial step toward creating a more disaster resilient nation.”

The grant funds were distributed to:

• Florida Institute of Technology

• Jensen Hughes Inc.

• Texas Tech University

• The Georgia Tech Research Corporation

• The Research Foundation for State University of New York

• The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research

• The University of Colorado

• The University of Illinois

• The University of Maryland

• The University of Oklahoma

• The University of Texas at Austin