NIST provides substantial technical and research support to FEMA in the development of recommended standards and practices for design and construction of new buildings, and for evaluation, strengthening and repair of existing buildings. NIST also contributes to the planning and conduct of problem-focused research on the development of recommended standards and practices for lifelines.
International collaboration supports all areas.
This goal involves a broad scope of activities including facilitating seismic building code adoption and implementation, and providing technical assistance for developing and using loss-reduction measures. B. Improve techniques to reduce seismic vulnerability of facilities and systems. It also includes improvements in the use of new technology, applied research, and problem-focused studies. C. Improve seismic hazards identification and risk-assessment methods, and their use. D. Improve the understanding of earthquakes and their effects and consequences.