After months of negotiation between residential builders and the plumbers union, Philadelphia is poised to allow the use of plastic pipes in high-rise residential construction.
A memorandum of understanding hammered out by the Plumbing Advisory Board will be incorporated into the new building code next year. The City of Brotherly Love is one of only six major U.S. cities that still require the use of metal pipes in such projects.
One construction industry professional estimates that the cost reduction from making the switch from metal to plastic would be about 20%. Plastic infrastructure is now the norm for builders installing pipes for waste disposal, fresh water, and stormwater drainage in most places.
The existing code encourages construction of single-family homes, which don’t require metal piping, or expensive luxury towers that can offset higher construction costs with higher prices. Construction industry representatives expect more high-rise and mid-rise residential projects to go forward due to the code change.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2016
Efficiency finance pilot project to spur retrofits on existing buildings
EDF and PG&E team up on interest-free loans for qualified projects.
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2016
ASHRAE releases proposed energy standard for historic buildings
Designed to balance with preservation requirements.
Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2016
Canadian city fines itself for failing to get a building permit for building renovation
Guelph, Ontario, will pay a $1,125 fine to the province.
Codes and Standards | Apr 12, 2016
Construction trade groups sue OSHA over silica rule
Cite concerns about technological and economic feasibility.
Codes and Standards | Apr 11, 2016
New LEED 2009 projects will have to meet increased minimum energy performance
New requirements went into effect April 8.
Wood | Apr 8, 2016
New LEED Pilot ACP designed to help eliminate irresponsibly sourced materials
Illegal wood is primary target to restrict illicit material in the supply chain.
Lighting | Apr 5, 2016
Lighting requirements for high-rise dwellings proposed for energy standard
The requirements would effectively eliminate incandescent and halogen bulbs.
Steel Buildings | Apr 4, 2016
AISI publishes Cold-Formed Steel Framing Design Guide, 2016 Edition
Updates 2007 edition; includes five comprehensive design examples.
Data Centers | Apr 1, 2016
ASHRAE releases publication on the impact of IT equipment on data center design
The book offers advice for designing structures in the fast-changing data center industry.
Codes and Standards | Mar 28, 2016
Occupant egress simulations that impact codes fall short, researchers say
Building evacuations in emergencies are too dangerous as a result.
