NOAA National Weather Service: Storm Total Maps and Verification
ASCE Codes & Standards Catalog
Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee
Code and Standards Open for Comment
Public Comment for ASCE/EWRI 78-XX Guidelines for the Physical Security of Water and Wastewater/Stormwater Utilities (Comment Deadline 12/18/2023)
America’s Infrastructure Score: C-
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2024 GROUP A PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE I-CODES
“Landscape between Storms” 1841 Auguste Renoir
When is it ever NOT storm season somewhere in the United States; with several hundred schools, colleges and universities in the path of them? Hurricanes also spawn tornadoes. This title sets the standard of care for safety, resilience and recovery when education community structures are used for shelter and recovery. The most recently published edition of the joint work results of the International Code Council and the ASCE Structural Engineering Institute SEI-7 is linked below:
2020 ICC/NSSA 500 Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters.
Given the historic tornados in the American Midwest this weekend, its relevance is plain. From the project prospectus:
The objective of this Standard is to provide technical design and performance criteria that will facilitate and promote the design, construction, and installation of safe, reliable, and economical storm shelters to protect the public. It is intended that this Standard be used by design professionals; storm shelter designers, manufacturers, and constructors; building officials; and emergency management personnel and government officials to ensure that storm shelters provide a consistently high level of protection to the sheltered public.
This project runs roughly in tandem with the ASCE Structural Engineering Institute SEI-17 which has recently updated its content management system and presented challenges to anyone who attempts to find the content where it used to be before the website overhaul. In the intervening time, we direct stakeholders to the link to actual text (above) and remind education facility managers and their architectural/engineering consultants that the ICC Code Development process is open to everyone.
The ICC receives public response to proposed changes to titles in its catalog at the link below:
2024/2025/2026 ICC CODE DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE
You are encouraged to communicate with Kimberly Paarlberg (kpaarlberg@iccsafe.org) for detailed, up to the moment information. When the content is curated by ICC staff it is made available at the link below:
We maintain this title on the agenda of our periodic Disaster colloquia which approach this title from the point of view of education community facility managers who collaborate with structual engineers, architects and emergency management functionaries.. See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting, open to everyone. 
Readings:
FEMA: Highlights of ICC 500-2020
ICC 500-2020 Standard and Commentary: ICC/NSSA Design and Construction of Storm Shelters
Students presenting posters on how to be prepared for natural disasters and emergencies #onedistrictoneteam #D59learns @CCSD59 @D59Byrd pic.twitter.com/NOsa3ekkTD
— Mrs. Darga (@MrsDarga) September 19, 2023
"Tornado over St. Paul" 1893 Julius Holmhttps://t.co/EzXTdOrQWZ
Minneapolis Institute of Arts@artsmia pic.twitter.com/tKWTtqJxO3— Standards Michigan (@StandardsMich) May 6, 2021
Benefits of power (electric utility) and telecommunication utilities sharing utility poles (joint use) include significant cost savings and efficiency. Erecting separate poles for each service would be prohibitively expensive and consume excessive land/space in urban/suburban areas, driving up service prices for consumers. Sharing allows faster deployment of broadband, phone, cable, and power services, generates rental revenue for pole owners (typically electric utilities), reduces overall infrastructure duplication, and minimizes environmental impact by limiting new pole installations.
Hazards arise from increased complexity and risks. Overloaded poles from multiple attachments can lead to structural failure, especially during storms or high winds. Improper installations may cause clearance violations, increasing dangers of electrical contact, shocks, or electrocution for workers and the public. Additional telecom equipment can heighten fire risks (e.g., via sparking from contact or added stress), contribute to outages if maintenance conflicts occur, and complicate repairs—requiring close coordination to maintain safety and grid reliability.
Today at the usual hour we examine the sections of the IEEE National Electrical Safety Code and the NFPA National Electrical Code that present first principles for campus power and telecommunication planners and engineers with special attention to the changes proposed for the 2028 National Electrical Safety Code. Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
Today we get down in the weeds to examine the point of common coupling between a building and a telecommunication service provider. In many cases the TSP is the university itself.
In an environment of providing multifunctional spaces within one building, it is common to find a combination of commercial, industrial, data center, health care and entertainment environments within just a few buildings; hence our preference for the word “settlements” over the more widely used word “campus”.
ANSI/TIA-568-C series: Telecommunications Cabling Standards. Specifies the requirements for various aspects of structured cabling systems, including cabling components, installation, and testing.
TIA-569-B: Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces. Provides guidelines for the design and installation of pathways and spaces for telecommunications cabling.
TIA-606-B: Administration Standard for Commercial Telecommunications Infrastructure. Specifies administration practices for the telecommunications infrastructure of commercial buildings.
Our inquiry cuts across the catalogs of several other standards developers:
NEC (National Electrical Code). NEC Article 800 specifically addresses the installation of communications circuits and equipment.
ISO/IEC 11801: Information technology — Generic cabling for customer premises. Defines generic telecommunications cabling systems (structured cabling) used for various services, including voice and data.
IEEE 802.3: Ethernet Standards. Defines standards for Ethernet networks, which are commonly used for data communication in buildings.
UL 497: Protectors for Paired Conductor Communications Circuits. Addresses requirements for protectors used to safeguard communications circuits from overvoltage events.
GR-1089-CORE: Electromagnetic Compatibility and Electrical Safety. Published by Telcordia (now part of Ericsson), this standard provides requirements for the electromagnetic compatibility and electrical safety of telecommunications equipment.
FCC Part 68: Connection of Terminal Equipment to the Telephone Network. Outlines the technical requirements for connecting terminal equipment to the public switched telephone network in the United States.
Local building codes and regulations also include requirements for the installation of telecommunication service equipment.
TIA recently collaborated with @CanEmbUSA to host a thought-provoking discussion on Building Trusted Global Networks Together. We left the event feeling confident that through collaboration and innovation, we can unlock the full potential of the connected world! pic.twitter.com/Bei2FeW38X
— TIA (@TIAonline) November 15, 2023
Last update: October 12, 2019
All school districts, colleges, universities and university-affiliated health care systems have significant product, system, firmware and labor resources allocated toward ICT. Risk management departments are attentive to cybersecurity issues. All school districts, colleges, universities and university-affiliated health care systems have significant product, system, firmware and labor resources allocated toward ICT.
The Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) is a professional association supporting the advancement of the ICT community. This community is roughly divided between experts who deal with “outside-plant” systems and “building premise” systems on either side of the ICT demarcation point. BICSI standards cover the wired and wireless spectrum of voice, data, electronic safety & security, project management and audio & video technologies. Its work is divided among several committees:
BICSI Standards Program Technical Subcommittees
BICSI International Standards Program
BICSI has released for public review a new consensus document that supports education industry ICT enterprises: BICSI N1 – Installation Practices for Telecommunications and ICT Cabling and Related Cabling Infrastructure. You may obtain a free electronic copy from: standards@bicsi.org; Jeff Silveira, (813) 903-4712, jsilveira@bicsi.org.
Comments are due November 19th.
You may send comments directly to Jeff (with copy to psa@ansi.org). This commenting opportunity will be referred to IEEE SCC-18 and the IEEE Education & Healthcare Facilities Committee which meets 4 times monthly in American and European time zones and will meet today. CLICK HERE for login information.
Issue: [18-191]
Category: Telecommunications, Electrical, #SmartCampus
Colleagues: Mike Anthony, Jim Harvey, Michael Hiler
Readings:
What is Grounding and Bonding for Telecommunication Systems?
Adhiyamaan College of Engineering
Today at the usual hour we shall sort through the issues in the transcripts linked below:
CMP 16 Public Input with Responses | Note our proposal on broadband reliability Public Input No. 3683-NFPA 70-2023 [ Section No. 800.1 ]
CMP 16 Public Comment with Responses
CMP 17 Public Input with Responses
CMP 17 Public Comment with Responses
CMP 18 Public Input with Responses | Note our proposal on exterior illumination Public Input No. 3283-NFPA 70-2023 [ Section No. 410.1
CMP 18 Public Comment with Responses
Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
Data centers in colleges and universities are crucial for supporting the extensive technological infrastructure required for modern education and research. These centers house critical servers and storage systems that manage vast amounts of data, ensuring reliable access to academic resources, administrative applications, and communication networks. They enable the secure storage and processing of sensitive information, including student records, faculty research, and institutional data.
Uptime Institute Tier Classification
Moreover, data centers facilitate advanced research by providing the computational power needed for data-intensive studies in fields like bioinformatics, climate science, and artificial intelligence. They support virtual learning environments and online course management systems, essential for the increasingly prevalent hybrid and online education models. Efficient data centers also contribute to campus sustainability goals by optimizing energy use through modern, eco-friendly technologies.
ANSI/TIA 942 Data Center Infrastructure Standard
Additionally, robust data center infrastructure enhances the university’s ability to attract top-tier faculty and students by demonstrating a commitment to cutting-edge technology and resources. They also play a vital role in disaster recovery and business continuity, ensuring that educational and administrative functions can resume quickly after disruptions. Overall, data centers are integral to the academic mission, operational efficiency, and strategic growth of colleges and universities.
We have followed development of the technical standards that govern the success of these “installations” since 1993; sometimes nudging technical committees — NFPA, IEEE, ASHRAE, BICSI and UL. The topic is vast and runs fast so today we will review, and perhaps respond to, the public consultations that are posted on a near-daily basis. Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
Related:
Ernst & Young LLP: Why there is no silver bullet for data center financing
Power Management For Data Centers Challenges And Opportunities
March 10, 2026 Update:
November 11, 2025 Update:
The project, located on the Texas A&M University System’s Rellis Campus in Bryan (Brazos County), has faced significant delays. Originally slated to begin construction by November 2021, it was pushed back due to the 2021 Winter Storm Uri. In November 2023, construction was announced to start in 2024, with an expected opening in Q3 2024 (July–September). However, no sources confirm completion or operations.Recent developments include:
The project’s official site (rellisdrc.com) states “Site will be available soon,” indicating it’s still under preparation. It’s designed as a 225,000 sq ft Tier III facility with colocation, cloud services, and educational spaces for workforce training.
FYI:
Company building RELLIS Campus Data & Research Center files for bankruptcy
Construction to begin on Rellis data center in Texas in 2024kbtx.com/…/company-building-rellis-campus-data-research-center-files-bankruptcy
The RELLIS Data and Research Center will be a public – private development with Texas A&M University. The data center will be built on the new RELLIS Campus located in College Station, Texas. It will offer cloud storage and outstanding managed services. The RELLIS Academy and Research Lab offers the ability for Texas A&M University to give real world data center experience to both students and faculty.
What Happens When Data Centers Come to Town
Terry Nguyen | BA Public Policy
Ben Green |Assistant Professor, School of Information and Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
Partner | Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition
Introduction. [Abstract]. The rapid growth of data centers, with their enormous energy and water demands, necessitates targeted policy interventions to mitigate environmental impacts and protect local communities. To address these issues, states with existing data center tax breaks should adopt sustainable growth policies for data centers, mandating energy audits, strict performance standards, and renewable energy integration, while also requiring transparency in energy usage reporting. “Renewable energy additionality” clauses should ensure data centers contribute to new renewable capacity rather than relying on existing resources. If these measures prove insufficient, states should consider repealing tax breaks to slow unsustainable data center growth. States without tax breaks should avoid such incentives altogether while simultaneously implementing mandatory reporting requirements to hold data centers accountable for their environmental impact. Broader measures should include protecting local tax revenues for schools, regulating utility rate hikes to prevent cost-shifting to consumers, and aligning data center energy demands with state climate goals to avoid prolonging reliance on fossil fuels.
Related:
Sharan Kalwani (Chair, Southeast Michigan Section IEEE): AI and Data Center Demand
Anglo-American English must remain the standard language of the AI zeitgeist because it dominates the vast training data fueling large language models—often ~90% English, heavily skewed toward American variants due to Silicon Valley’s influence, internet content prevalence, and U.S. tech leadership.
This ensures peak performance, nuance, and reliability in AI outputs. Their global status as lingua francas in science, programming, and digital culture sustains innovation momentum, cross-border collaboration, and accessibility, preventing fragmentation while the field advances.
| # | Term | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Artificial Neural Network (ANN) | A computational model mimicking biological neurons, used in power systems for load forecasting and fault classification by learning patterns from electrical data. |
| 2 | Deep Neural Network (DNN) | Multi-layered ANN for complex tasks like state estimation in grids, enabling deeper analysis of electrical signals for predictive maintenance. |
| 3 | Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) | A DNN specialized for processing grid-like data, applied in image-based fault detection on power lines or substations using drone visuals. |
| 4 | Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) | Neural network handling sequential data, evolved for time-series forecasting in energy demand and renewable integration in electrical networks. |
| 5 | Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) | An RNN variant that remembers long-term dependencies, used for accurate wind/solar power prediction in dynamic electrical systems. |
| 6 | Graph Neural Network (GNN) | Processes graph-structured data like power grids, optimizing flow analysis and topology estimation in transmission networks. |
| 7 | Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) | Dual-network system generating synthetic data, applied to simulate electrical scenarios for training models in scarce-data power environments. |
| 8 | Reinforcement Learning (RL) | Learning through trial-and-error rewards, used for adaptive control in grid optimization and emergency load shedding. |
| 9 | Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) | RL combined with DNNs, enabling autonomous decision-making in real-time power system stability and demand response. |
| 10 | Smart Grid | AI-enhanced electrical distribution network that uses real-time data for self-healing, load balancing, and renewable integration. |
| 11 | Digital Twin | Virtual AI-simulated replica of electrical infrastructure, allowing scenario testing for predictive fault avoidance in power plants. |
| 12 | Edge AI | Decentralized AI processing at network edges, enabling low-latency control in IoT-enabled electrical devices and microgrids. |
| 13 | Neuromorphic Computing | Brain-inspired hardware chips for efficient AI, reducing power consumption in electrotechnical applications like sensor networks. |
| 14 | Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) | Specialized ASIC for AI workloads, accelerating matrix operations in electrical system simulations and optimization. |
| 15 | Predictive Maintenance | AI-driven monitoring of electrical assets (e.g., transformers) to forecast failures using sensor data and ML algorithms. |
| 16 | Optimal Power Flow (OPF) | AI-optimized calculation of efficient power distribution, minimizing losses in transmission lines via ML approximations. |
| 17 | Microgrid | Localized AI-managed grid, enabling autonomous operation with renewables, using RL for energy balancing. |
| 18 | Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) | High-speed sensor providing synchronized data for AI-based state estimation and oscillation detection in power systems. |
| 19 | Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) | Traditional system evolved with AI for enhanced monitoring, anomaly detection, and automated control in electrical utilities. |
| 20 | High-Impedance Fault (HIF) Detection | AI techniques like SVM or CNN to identify subtle faults in distribution lines, improving safety and reliability. |
| 21 | Load Forecasting | ML models predicting electricity demand, incorporating weather and usage patterns for grid planning. |
| 22 | Demand Response | AI-optimized strategy adjusting consumer loads in real-time, using RL to balance supply in volatile renewable-heavy systems. |
| 23 | Energy Management System (EMS) | AI-integrated platform for overseeing generation, transmission, and distribution, enhancing efficiency with predictive analytics. |
| 24 | Power Electronic Converter (PEC) | Devices like inverters controlled by AI for fault-tolerant operation in renewables and EVs. |
| 25 | Composite Load Model (CLM) | AI-tuned aggregated model of electrical loads, using ML for dynamic simulation in stability studies. |
Electropedia: The World’s Online Electrotechnical Vocabulary
New update alert! The 2022 update to the Trademark Assignment Dataset is now available online. Find 1.29 million trademark assignments, involving 2.28 million unique trademark properties issued by the USPTO between March 1952 and January 2023: https://t.co/njrDAbSpwB pic.twitter.com/GkAXrHoQ9T
— USPTO (@uspto) July 13, 2023
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