ASCE 24-14 PDF Download

The ASCE 24-14 standard sets forth minimum requirements for designing and constructing structures located in Flood Hazard Areas. This standard applies to new construction as well as substantial improvement work on existing structures that are not considered historic. A key feature introduced in this standard is the concept of Flood Design Class, which determines the level of requirements based on the risk of unacceptable performance.

The standard includes various requirements such as siting, design, and construction requirements for structures in flood hazard areas. It also specifies minimum elevations for the lowest floor, flood damage-resistant materials, and floodproofing measures, all based on the Flood Design Class of the structure. Additionally, the standard covers structures in high-risk flood hazard areas, coastal high hazard areas, and coastal A Zones, which are subject to various types of flooding such as alluvial fans, flash floods, mudslides, erosion, high velocity flow, coastal wave action, ice jams, and debris.

Other aspects covered by the ASCE 24-14 standard include flood damage-resistant materials, dry and wet floodproofing, utilities and equipment (such as electrical service, plumbing systems, mechanical/HVAC systems, and elevators), building access, and miscellaneous construction elements like decks, porches, concrete slabs, garages and carports, accessory storage structures, chimneys and fireplaces, pools, and tanks.