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Building and Fire Research Laboratory Advanced Construction Technology |
Building and Fire Research Laboratory The Building and Fire Research Laboratory (BFRL) enhances the competitiveness of U.S. industry and public safety through performance prediction, measurement technologies, and technical advances that improve the life-cycle quality and cost effectiveness of constructed facilities. BFRL's efforts are closely coordinated with industry, professional and trade organizations, academia, and other government agencies. Major BFRL goals are to improve the productivity of U.S. construction industries, which now face stiff competition from overseas firms, and to reduce the human and economic losses resulting from fires, earthquakes, winds, and other hazards. Laboratory research includes fire science and fire safety engineering; building materials; computer-integrated construction practices; structural, mechanical, and environmental engineering; and building economics. Products of the laboratory's research include measurements and test methods, performance criteria, and technical data that are incorporated into building and fire standards and codes. Staff members are involved in more than 100 activities to develop voluntary standards. The laboratory conducts
investigations at the scene of major fires and structural failures due
to earthquakes, hurricanes, or other causes. The knowledge gained from
these investigations guides research and is applied to recommendations
for design and construction practices to reduce hazards. Contact: James Hill, Director Date
created:
April 24, 2002 |