Materials and Structural Systems Division Program Offices

Disaster and Failure Studies Program

The primary focus of disaster and failure studies is on events that occur within the United States and its territories, however, NIST may conduct reconnaissance of international disaster or failure events when lessons can be learned that are relevant to U.S. construction.  NIST's involvement in international disaster or failure studies generally will be undertaken in cooperation with other U.S. agencies, industry or private organizations, governments of other nations, or international organizations, for the purpose of establishing and/or improving U.S. practices, codes, and standards.

National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Office

NIST is designated by Congress as the Lead Agency for the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP). This Office supports the NEHRP Secretariat Office, which coordinates the NEHRP research and implementation activities for the four NEHRP agencies – the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), NIST, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the US Geological Survey (USGS).

National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program Office

NIST is designated by Congress as one of four agencies comprising the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program (NWIRP) created by the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 (PL 108-360.)