Building Science Resource Library

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

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

 

  • Topic: 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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Hurricane Ida in New York Technical Report 2: Building Performance: Egress from Floodprone Basements

This report assesses building performance during Hurricane Ida in New York City and focuses on egress from floodprone basements. The report discusses observations made by the MAT team after the disaster and highlights risks to occupants of floodprone basements.

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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.

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Hurricane Ida in New York Fact Sheet 3: Understanding Stormwater Runoff in Highly Urbanized Areas

This fact sheet explains stormwater runoff and its impact on urbanized areas. It discusses the connection between surface runoff and stormwater drainage systems, and how storms are defined.

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Hurricane Ida in New York Technical Report 1: Building Performance: Basement Buildings and Urban Flooding

This report discusses the performance of basement buildings during Hurricane Ida in New York City and the role of urban flooding. It includes results from previous flooding events such as Hurricane Sandy and Harvey.

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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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Hurricane Ida in New York Technical Report 3: Reducing the Effects of Urban Flooding in New York City

This report discusses strategies for reducing the effects of urban flooding in New York City. The report provides an overview of rainfall runoff and urban flooding basics, as well as the current state of stormwater infrastructure and initiatives in NYC. It also highlights the importance of increasing public awareness of urban flooding.