Codes, Standards, and Institutions—Pressures for Change

Abstract

Understanding the U.S. building regulatory system and the roles of standards and their development organizations is essential to the introduction of new products or practices and to the improvement of the building regulatory system. U.S. practices for development and enforcement of building standards and codes are described for the guidance of those who seek to develop or apply improved building products or practices. The paper reviews current and near‐future expected changes in the international construction market for products and services. The importance of standards as a basis for regulations, contracts, and quality‐assurance systems is discussed. A review of building and construction standards and their development and use in the United States is covered, including product approval systems that are supported by laboratory accreditation and certification. The European EC 92 programs, the development and use of international standards, and the related certification and testing programs are reviewed.