Author Archives: mike@standardsmichigan.com

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Pumpkin Pudding!

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Collegiate Prepster Dressing

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Colloquy (October)

Tabor College | Marion County, Kansas

Open agenda; Not Too Organized. Whatever anyone wants to talk about.  We do meet once a month like this.  Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.

Fall Hours at our State Street Office: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Join us for lunch 11:45 AM – 1:15 PM every Third Wednesday | University of Michigan Business School Executive Dining Room

We explain changes to our syllabus given that five conferences we attend will happen mid-September through mid-November: ANSI (Washington, DC), IEC (Edinburgh, Scotland), NFPA (Redondo Beach, California) and IEEE (Long Beach, California).   Mike will be out of the office with sporadic availability.  The front desk will be open.  Sanne Clare will take phone calls September 27 through October 6.

Monteverdi VESPERS of 1610

Claudio Monteverdi’s “Vespro della Beata Vergine” that sets the high point in early Baroque sacred music.  It is a collection of liturgical pieces — psalms, hymns, and motets — all set to Latin texts.

Monteverdi employs a variety of musical forms and textures, from expansive polychoral settings that exploit the spatial possibilities of the church interior, to intimate solo passages and intricate instrumental ritornellos. The Vespers also integrate elements of secular music, such as dance rhythms and dramatic vocal lines, highlighting Monteverdi’s innovative approach to sacred composition.

Notable sections include the “Dixit Dominus,” with its choral and instrumental interplay, and the “Magnificat,” which concludes the Vespers with a triumphant affirmation of faith.

Monteverdi’s Vespers are celebrated for their emotional depth, technical brilliance, and their role in bridging the Renaissance and Baroque musical eras.

History of Western Civilization Told Through the Acoustics of its Worship Spaces


IEEE 2030

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Fences & Zoning

Colkett, Victoria Susanna; King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, as Seen from Clare Hall Piece and Crotches; National Trust, Anglesey Abbey;

Best practice discovery and promulgation for land use between colleges and universities and their host municipalities in the United States is hastened by a combination of codes, standards, and government regulations. Here are some key ones:

  1. Zoning Codes: Zoning ordinances dictate land use within municipalities, including where educational institutions can be located and what activities they can undertake.  
  2. Building Codes: These are regulations that govern the construction and maintenance of buildings. Educational institutions must comply with these codes for the safety and welfare of their occupants.
  3. Fire Codes: Fire codes ensure that buildings meet safety standards regarding fire prevention, evacuation procedures, and firefighting equipment. Compliance is crucial for the safety of students and staff.
  4. Health Codes: Health codes set standards for sanitation, food safety, and other health-related matters. Colleges and universities, especially those with dining facilities and student housing, must adhere to these regulations.
  5. Environmental Regulations: These regulations govern environmental protection, waste management, and pollution control. Educational institutions may need to comply with federal, state, and local environmental laws.
  6. Parking and Transportation Regulations: Municipalities often have regulations concerning parking, traffic flow, and public transportation. Colleges and universities must consider these factors when planning campus infrastructure and events.

  1. Land Use Regulations: Beyond zoning codes, municipalities may have additional land use regulations that affect educational institutions, such as restrictions on expansion or development in certain areas.
  2. Permitting and Licensing Requirements: Colleges and universities may need permits or licenses for certain activities, such as hosting events, serving alcohol, or operating transportation services.
  3. Taxation Laws: While educational institutions often enjoy tax-exempt status, they may still be subject to certain taxes, such as property taxes on non-educational properties or sales taxes on commercial activities.
  4. Student Housing Regulations: Some municipalities have specific regulations governing student housing, including occupancy limits, safety standards, and rental property inspections.
  5. Noise Ordinances: Municipalities may have ordinances regulating noise levels, particularly in residential areas. Colleges and universities must consider these regulations when planning events or construction activities.
  6. Community Relations Agreements: In some cases, colleges and universities may enter into agreements with their host municipalities to address specific issues or concerns, such as traffic management, public safety, or community engagement initiatives.

During today’s colloquium we explore the catalogs of the dominant standards developments whose titles are most frequently incorporated by reference into local statues.   Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.


Chesterton’s Fence is a simple rule of thumb that suggests you should never destroy a fence, change a rule, or alter a tradition if you do not understand why it was created in the first place. China’s Four Pests Campaign during the Great Leap Forward shows the tragic consequences of meddling with things we do not fully understand.

Several organizations set standards for the design, construction, and maintenance of sports fences. Some of the key organizations include:

1. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International)

ASTM International develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services, including those related to sports fencing. Relevant standards include:

2. American Sports Builders Association (ASBA)

ASBA provides guidelines and specifications for the construction and maintenance of sports facilities, including fencing for various sports. They offer resources, best practices, and certification programs for sports builders.

3. International Code Council (ICC)

The ICC publishes the International Building Code (IBC), which includes guidelines for the construction and safety standards for sports facilities. The IBC is widely adopted by jurisdictions across the United States and provides a comprehensive set of regulations for building construction.

4. National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

NRPA sets standards and best practices for the design, construction, and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities, including sports fences. They provide resources and training to professionals in the field.

5. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA sets and enforces standards to ensure safe and healthful working conditions. This includes guidelines for workplace safety during the installation and maintenance of sports fences.

6. Fencing Industry Association (FIA)

The FIA provides industry-specific standards and best practices for the fencing industry. They offer resources, training, and certifications for professionals involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of fences.

Zoning

Novel Transmission Line Design for Reduced EMF

Electric Field Comparison of Conventional Transmission Line With Unconventional Transmission Line

Easir Arafat, et. al

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Zero Emission, Realization of Optimized Energy Systems Laboratory

The University of Texas at Dallas

Abstract: To accommodate the growing demand for electricity, a novel transmission line design has been proposed. This proposed structure must undergo rigorous evaluation to ensure it complies with existing safety standards. As magnetic field and electric field are crucial for the safety of systems and their surroundings, the proposed line must adhere to established limits. This paper presents a comparison of the electric field generated by a newly proposed unconventional overhead line compared to a conventional line where electric field is calculated for each sub-conductor individually. The results demonstrate that the unconventional transmission line exhibits a more favorable electric field profile compared to the conventional line.

CLICK IMAGE

In large to medium-sized cities in the US, the highest voltages typically found in the power distribution and transmission systems are as follows:

  1. Transmission Lines: These are the high-voltage lines that transport electricity over long distances from power plants to substations near populated areas. The voltages for transmission lines can range from:
    • 69 kV (kilovolts)
    • 115 kV
    • 138 kV
    • 230 kV
    • 345 kV
    • 500 kV
    • Up to 765 kV in some areas
  2. Sub-transmission Lines: These lines carry electricity from the high-voltage transmission system to the distribution substations and have voltages typically ranging from:
    • 34.5 kV
    • 69 kV
    • 115 kV
  3. Distribution Lines: These lines deliver electricity from substations to consumers and generally operate at lower voltages. Common distribution voltages include:
    • 4.16 kV
    • 13.2 kV
    • 13.8 kV
    • 25 kV
    • 34.5 kV

The specific voltage levels can vary depending on the region and the utility company managing the electrical infrastructure. The highest voltages, especially those above 230 kV, are generally found in the transmission network, which is designed to efficiently move large quantities of power over long distances.

First Day of School

Donegan Acoustics

Today we take a cross cutting review of all the literature (codes, standards, guidelines, laws)  that informs safe and sustainability occupancy load, means of egress, illumination, ambient air, plumbing, electric, communication and acoustics in classrooms.

1. Building Codes

  • International Building Code (IBC): Adopted by most states, it provides guidelines for the design and construction of buildings, including schools.
  • International Existing Building Code (IEBC): Provides standards for the renovation and repair of existing school buildings.
  • State and Local Building Codes: Many states and municipalities have additional or modified codes that must be followed.

2. Fire and Life Safety Codes

  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes:
    • NFPA 101: Life Safety Code – Sets requirements for egress, fire protection, and emergency planning.
    • NFPA 13: Installation of Sprinkler Systems – Specifies standards for automatic fire sprinkler systems.
    • NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code – Covers fire alarm system installation and maintenance.
    • NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) – Outlines electrical wiring standards to prevent fire hazards.

3. Accessibility Standards

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
    • ADA Standards for Accessible Design – Ensures that school facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
  • Architectural Barriers Act (ABA): Requires accessibility in buildings constructed with federal funds.

4. Environmental and Health Standards

Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regulations:
    • EPA Lead and Asbestos Regulations: Governs the handling of lead and asbestos in school buildings.
    • EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools: Provides guidelines to manage air quality.

5. Structural Standards

  • American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE):
    • ASCE 7: Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures.
  • American Concrete Institute (ACI):
    • ACI 318: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete.

6. Plumbing and Mechanical Codes

  • International Plumbing Code (IPC): Provides guidelines for plumbing system design and installation.
  • International Mechanical Code (IMC): Sets standards for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

7. Electrical Standards

  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standards: Includes various electrical safety and installation standards relevant to school facilities.

8. Educational Specifications and Guidelines

  • Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) Guidelines: Provides best practices for school design that promote effective learning environments.
  • State-Specific Educational Specifications: Many states have their own guidelines for the design of educational facilities to meet state-specific educational needs.

9. Safety and Security Standards

  • Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Guidelines: Suggests design strategies to enhance security in school environments.
  • School Safety and Security Standards (state-specific): Some states have additional requirements for school security measures.

10. Sustainable Design Standards

  • LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Schools: Provides a framework for building green and energy-efficient schools.
  • Green Building Initiative (GBI) Standards: Focuses on sustainable and energy-efficient building practices.

11. Maintenance Standards

  • International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC): Provides guidelines for the maintenance of buildings, ensuring they remain safe and functional over time.

12. Other Relevant Standards

  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Guidelines: Provides standards for building schools in disaster-prone areas (e.g., tornadoes, earthquakes).
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards: Ensures workplace safety, including in schools, covering areas like chemical safety, electrical safety, and more.

Local Considerations

  • Local Zoning Laws and Ordinances: Schools must also comply with local land use regulations, which may affect building placement, size, and use.

Classroom Acoustics


 

 

Classroom Furniture

“The Country School” | Winslow Homer

The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association standards catalog — largely product (rather than interoperability oriented) is linked below:  

BIFMA Standards Overview

In stabilized standards, it is more cost effective to run the changes through ANSI rather than a collaborative workspace that requires administration and software licensing cost.  Accordingly, redlines for changes, and calls for stakeholder participation are released in ANSI’s Standards Portal:

STANDARDS ACTION WEEKLY EDITION

Send your comments to Dave Panning.  (See Dave’s presentation to the University of Michigan in the video linked below.

John Peace Laptop Library Lounge | University of Texas, San Antonio

We find a great deal of interest in sustainable furniture climbing up the value chain and dwelling on material selection and manufacture.  We encourage end-users in the education industry — specifiers, department facility managers, interior design consultants, housekeeping staff and even occupants — to participate in BIFMA  standards setting.     You may obtain an electronic copies for in-process standards from David Panning, (616) 285-3963, dpanning@bifma.org   You are encouraged to send comments directly to BIFMA (with copy to psa@ansi.org).  David explains its emergent standard for furniture designed for use in healthcare settings in the videorecording linked below:

Issue: [15-267]

Contacts: Mike Anthony, Christine Fischer, Jack Janveja, Dave Panning

Category: Architectural, Facility Asset Management


Related:

A Guide to United States Furniture Compliance Requirements

Educational Seating

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