# NIST Updates National Construction Safety Investigations

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has provided detailed updates on its ongoing National Construction Safety Team (NCST) investigations into major structural failures and disaster impacts, including the 2021 Champlain Towers South collapse in Surfside, Florida, the 2017 Hurricane Maria effects in Puerto Rico, and the 2011 Joplin tornado in Missouri. These investigations involve extensive data collection, testing, and collaboration with multiple agencies to develop recommendations aimed at improving building codes and enhancing disaster resilience. Procurement professionals and contractors should note emerging opportunities related to construction safety research, code development, and resilience initiatives driven by these findings.

- **Why this matters:** NIST's investigations inform updates to building codes and standards, creating demand for expertise in construction safety, materials testing, and disaster mitigation technologies.
- Agencies and contractors involved in construction, engineering, and materials science may find new contract opportunities supporting implementation of NCST recommendations.
- Organizations should evaluate capabilities in disaster resilience and building enclosure technologies, as these areas are highlighted by recent findings, such as water intrusion vulnerabilities during hurricanes.
- Collaboration with federal and local agencies, including NIST and regional emergency management, may increase as these investigations translate into policy and procurement actions.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 28, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- Miami-Dade Police Department
- National Hurricane Center

### Key Quotes
> While most hospital and school buildings experienced minimal structural damage during the hurricane, they suffered from extensive water intrusion due to damage to building enclosures, including roof coverings, windows, doors and roof-mounted equipment.
> — Joe Main, Team Lead, Hurricane Maria Investigation

> Pre-storm communications from the National Hurricane Center and others contributed to broad public understanding of the approaching hazard, and that most residents did take protective measures before the storm.
> — Maria Dillard, Associate Lead, Hurricane Maria Investigation

### Sources
- [NIST Provides Updates on National Construction Safety Team Activities | NIST](https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2026/09/nist-provides-updates-national-construction-safety-team-activities) - NIST