Building Science Resource Library

The Building Science Resource Library contains all of FEMA’s hazard-specific guidance that focuses on creating disaster-resistance communities.

You can search for a document by its title, or filter the collection to browse by:

 

 

  • Disaster Type: High winds, flood, earthquake, etc.
  • Document Type: Brochure, report, fact sheet, infographic, etc.
  • Audience: Building professionals & engineers, individuals & homeowners, teachers & kids, etc.
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Technical Bulletin 7, Wet Floodproofing Requirements and Limitations

This Technical Bulletin provides guidance on the National Flood Insurance Program floodplain management requirements for the design and construction of wet floodproofed buildings and structures in Special Flood Hazard Areas.

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Building Codes Save: A Nationwide Study

FEMA’s landmark study, “Building Codes Save: A Nationwide Study,” shows that modern building codes lead to major reduction in property losses from natural disasters. The FEMA report calculates losses from three types of natural hazard (earthquakes, flooding, and hurricane winds) for each state and Washington, D.C.

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Guidelines for Post-Earthquake Repair and Retrofit of Buildings Based on Assessment of Performance-Critical Damage (FEMA P-2335)

Repair of damaged buildings is critical for community recovery after earthquake disasters, and in turn, for overall resilience. NEHRP has had statutory requirements to use research results, new knowledge, and lessons learned evidence to support the preparation, maintenance, and wide dissemination of seismic resistant design guidance for more than 40 years. The 1998 FEMA 306, 307, 308 suite of guidance, Evaluation of Earthquake Damaged Concrete and Masonry Wall Buildings, provided a groundbreaking framework for detailed engineering assessments of residual strength in earthquake damaged concrete wall buildings and set the state of practice for seismic structural engineering in the US for more than 20 years. This new document provides the next-generation methodology for assessing and repairing earthquake-damaged buildings. Findings and research completed in New Zealand after the 2011 Christchurch Earthquake, as well as new information and an evolving understanding of the effects of damage to structural components that have experienced strong shaking and their residual capacities for future earthquakes, prompted a review and update of the original FEMA documents. The result defines more accurate way of determining when only cosmetic repairs are needed, structural repairs are required for safety, and repairs and retrofit are required for safety. This work was conducted by highly respected members of the seismic structural engineering communities in the United States and New Zealand and has the potential to significantly reduce a community’s recovery time and costs after an earthquake disaster.

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Mitigation Assessment Team Compendium Report (FEMA P-2054)

This report provides a summary of the key observations and conclusions from the 2017 Mitigation Assessment Teams (MATs) in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands following Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. The report aims to improve disaster resistance of the built environment by providing design and construction guidance.

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Mitigation Assessment Team Report: Hurricanes Irma and Maria in the U.S. Virgin Islands (FEMA P-2021)

This report presents the findings of the Mitigation Assessment Team (MAT) in the U.S. Virgin Islands following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The team observed significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, highlighting the need for improved building codes and mitigation measures.

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Mitigation Assessment Team Report: Hurricane Harvey in Texas (FEMA P-2022)

The Mitigation Assessment Team Report provides observations on the building performance during Hurricane Harvey in Texas. The report offers recommendations and technical guidance for future disaster mitigation efforts. Hurricane Harvey was a Category 4 hurricane that dropped up to 70 inches of rain, causing significant damage and flooding.

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Mitigation Assessment Team Report Spring 2011 Tornadoes: April 25-28 and May 22 (FEMA P-908)

This report provides a mitigation assessment of tornadoes that occurred in April and May 2011. The report includes building performance observations, recommendations, and technical guidance. It is intended to assist building professionals and community officials in mitigating the effects of future tornadoes.

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Hurricane Ida in New York Fact Sheet 1: What Building Owners and Tenants Should Know About Urban Flooding

This fact sheet discusses urban flooding, a type of flooding that occurs in cities due to heavy rainfall and inadequate stormwater drainage systems. It highlights the risks associated with urban flooding, including safety risks and damage to buildings and occupants. The document also provides information on how building owners, tenants, and communities can take actions to minimize damage from urban flooding.

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Mitigation Assessment Team Report: Hurricane Michael in Florida (FEMA P-2077)

This report presents the findings of a mitigation assessment team (MAT) deployed to Florida in response to Hurricane Michael, which made landfall on October 10, 2018. The report provides observations on building performance during the hurricane, recommendations for improving building resilience, and technical guidance for policymakers and building professionals.

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Mitigation Assessment Team Report: Hurricane Ian in Florida Building Performance, Observations, Recommendations, and Technical Guidance (FEMA P-2342)

This report presents the findings and recommendations of the Mitigation Assessment Team (MAT) following Hurricane Ian in Florida. The report provides observations on building performance, recommendations for mitigation and resilience, and technical guidance for stakeholders.