Morning Prep

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Morning Prep

April 28, 2025
mike@standardsmichigan.com
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water

“The Bathing Pool” | Hubert Robert (French, 1733–1808)

OxfordMiss Kate | Edinburg

Today at the usual hour we run a status check on the literature that informs the design, construction, use and maintenance of shared floor facilities for privacy, relief and hygiene.   We are mindful of the following considerations:

  • Fixture Ratios: Dormitories are typically classified as Residential (R-2) or Institutional (I-1) occupancies, requiring fixtures per Table 2902.1. For example, 1 shower per 8 persons and 1 water closet per 25 persons (adjusted by sex or gender-neutral design).
  • Gender-Inclusive Design: Recent IBC and IPC updates allow multi-user gender-neutral facilities, common in modern dormitories to support inclusivity.
  • Privacy and Safety: Communal bathrooms must have lockable stalls, visual screening at entrances, and no internal locking of main doors to prevent inappropriate activities.
  • Material Durability: Nonabsorbent surfaces (e.g., ceramic tiles, stainless steel fixtures) are mandatory to withstand heavy use and frequent cleaning in dormitory settings.
  • Ventilation: Section 1202.5 requires mechanical ventilation (e.g., 50 cfm exhaust fans) or operable windows (3 sq. ft. minimum) to control humidity and odors.
  • Water temperature: Does water get to the showerhead fast enough and is the temperature controlled safely?
  • Are vertical piping systems to high rise dormitories “right-sized”?
  • What cost considerations must be taken into account if a third gender-neutral space becomes mandatory.

University of Iowa Catlett Hall | Johnson County

We will slice horizontally through vertically oriented standards catalogs and explain where excess cost lies and should be removed.  There is significant interdependence between the International Building Code, the International Plumbing Code and ASME Plumbing Fixture Code.  The Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.

Key Sections for Communal But Private Toilet and Shower Areas

  • Section 2902: Minimum Plumbing Facilities (Chapter 29)
    • Purpose: Specifies the minimum number, type, and distribution of plumbing fixtures (toilets, urinals, lavatories, showers) for communal facilities in various occupancies, including institutional settings like college dormitories.
    • Key Provisions:
      • 2902.1: Minimum Number of Fixtures: Requires facilities to provide adequate fixtures based on occupant load and building use. Table 2902.1 lists fixture ratios (e.g., 1 water closet per 25 males/females in institutional occupancies). For dormitories, the code may adjust based on residential or institutional classifications.
      • 2902.1.2: Single-User Toilet and Bathing Room Fixtures: Allows single-user toilet and bathing rooms to count toward the total required fixtures and mandates they be identified as available for all persons, regardless of sex, supporting gender-inclusive designs.
      • 2902.2: Separate Facilities: Requires separate facilities for each sex in multi-user setups, with exceptions for:
        • Exception 5: Single-user toilet rooms not designated by sex.
        • Exception 6: Multi-user facilities designed to serve all sexes and genders, enabling communal gender-neutral bathrooms.
      • 2902.3: Employee and Public Facilities: Ensures public and employee toilet facilities are accessible, with communal areas visually screened from entryways for privacy.
      • Application to Communal Areas: In college dormitories, communal bathrooms (e.g., community or floor bathrooms) must meet these fixture counts, ensuring sufficient toilets, lavatories, and showers for the resident population. For example, a dorm with 100 residents might require 4 water closets and 2 showers per sex, adjusted for local amendments.
  • Section 1210: Toilet and Bathroom Requirements (Chapter 12)
    • Purpose: Governs the design, materials, and privacy features of toilet and bathing areas, including communal setups.
    • Key Provisions:
      • 1210.2: Finish Materials:
        • Floors in toilet, bathing, and shower rooms must have a smooth, hard, nonabsorbent surface (e.g., porcelain tiles).
        • Walls within 2 feet of urinals or water closets must have nonabsorbent surfaces to a height of at least 4 feet (1219 mm) to resist moisture damage.
        • Shower and tub areas require nonabsorbent surfaces extending to 70 inches above the drain height.
        • Exceptions: These requirements do not apply to dwelling units, sleeping units, or non-public single-occupant toilet rooms.
      • 1210.3: Privacy:
        • Public restrooms must be visually screened from entry/exit doorways to ensure privacy, including avoiding mirrors that compromise privacy.
        • Each water closet in a communal facility must be in a separate compartment with walls/partitions and a door for privacy. Exceptions apply to single-occupant toilet rooms with lockable doors.
        • Urinals require privacy partitions with specified dimensions (introduced in the 2006 International Plumbing Code, referenced by IBC).
      • Application to Communal Areas: In dormitory community bathrooms, these rules ensure stalls are fully enclosed, floors and walls are moisture-resistant, and privacy is maintained through screening or layout design.
  • Section 1109: Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities (Chapter 11)
    • Purpose: Ensures communal toilet and shower areas comply with accessibility standards, referencing the ICC A117.1 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.
    • Key Provisions:
      • 1109.2: Toilet and Bathing Facilities: Requires at least one wheelchair-accessible toilet compartment and, in facilities with six or more water closets/urinals, one ambulatory-accessible compartment.
      • 1109.2.1: Family or Assisted-Use Facilities: Mandates accessible single-user or family toilet/bathing rooms in certain occupancies, which can contribute to fixture counts in dormitories.
      • Grab Bars and Clearances: Requires grab bars (e.g., 18-inch vertical grab bar at water closets per ICC A117.1), a 1½-inch clearance between grab bars and walls, and clear floor space for wheelchair maneuvering.
      • Application to Communal Areas: Dormitory bathrooms must include accessible stalls and showers (e.g., roll-in showers with benches) to accommodate students with disabilities.

We will deal with cross-referencing concepts that appear in the International Plumbing Code (IPC) in a separate post.

 

Water and Sanitation

April 28, 2025
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Standards March: Water

Water is essential for sanitation and hygiene — and proper sanitation is essential for protecting water sources from contamination and ensuring access to safe drinking water.  Access to safe water and sanitation is crucial for preventing the spread of waterborne diseases, which can be transmitted through contaminated water sources or poor sanitation practices. Lack of access to safe water and sanitation can lead to a range of health problems, including diarrheal diseases, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A.  

On the other hand, poor sanitation practices, such as open defecation, can contaminate water sources, making them unsafe for drinking, bathing, or cooking. This contamination can lead to the spread of diseases and illness, particularly in developing countries where access to clean water and sanitation facilities may be limited.

We track the catalog of the following ANSI accredited standards developers that necessarily require mastery of building premise water systems:

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers: ASHRAE develops standards related to heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration systems — and more recently, standards that claim jurisdiction over building sites.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers: ASME develops standards related to boilers, pressure vessels, and piping systems.

American Water Works Association: AWWA is a standards development organization that publishes a wide range of standards related to water supply, treatment, distribution, and storage.

ASTM International: ASTM develops and publishes voluntary consensus standards for various industries, including water-related standards. They cover topics such as water quality, water sampling, and water treatment.

National Fire Protection Association: NFPA develops fire safety standards, and some of their standards are related to water, such as those covering fire sprinkler systems and water supplies for firefighting within and outside buildings.  We deal with the specific problems of sprinkler water system safety during our Prometheus colloquia.

National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF International): NSF International develops standards and conducts testing and certification for various products related to public health and safety, including standards for water treatment systems and products.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL): UL is a safety consulting and certification company that develops standards for various industries. They have standards related to water treatment systems, plumbing products, and fire protection systems.

 

United States Standards System


* The evolution of building interior water systems has undergone significant changes over time to meet the evolving needs of society. Initially, water systems were rudimentary, primarily consisting of manually operated pumps and gravity-fed distribution systems. Water was manually fetched from wells or nearby sources, and indoor plumbing was virtually nonexistent.

The Industrial Revolution brought advancements in plumbing technology. The introduction of pressurized water systems and cast-iron pipes allowed for the centralized distribution of water within buildings. Separate pipes for hot and cold water became common, enabling more convenient access to water for various purposes. Additionally, the development of flush toilets and sewage systems improved sanitation and hygiene standards.

In the mid-20th century, the advent of plastic pipes, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), revolutionized plumbing systems. These pipes offered durability, flexibility, and ease of installation, allowing for faster and more cost-effective construction.

The latter part of the 20th century witnessed a growing focus on water conservation and environmental sustainability. Low-flow fixtures, such as toilets, faucets, and showerheads, were introduced to reduce water consumption without compromising functionality. Greywater recycling systems emerged, allowing the reuse of water from sinks, showers, and laundry for non-potable purposes like irrigation.

With the advancement of digital technology, smart water systems have emerged in recent years. These systems integrate sensors, meters, and automated controls to monitor and manage water usage, detect leaks, and optimize water distribution within buildings. Smart technologies provide real-time data, enabling better water management, energy efficiency, and cost savings.

The future of building interior water systems is likely to focus on further improving efficiency, sustainability, and water quality. Innovations may include enhanced water purification techniques, decentralized water treatment systems, and increased integration of smart technologies to create more intelligent and sustainable water systems.

The first mover in building interior water supply systems can be traced back to the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley. However, one of the earliest known examples of sophisticated indoor plumbing systems can be attributed to the ancient Romans.

The Romans were pioneers in constructing elaborate water supply and distribution networks within their cities. They developed aqueducts to transport water from distant sources to urban centers, allowing for a centralized water supply. The water was then distributed through a network of lead or clay pipes to public fountains, baths, and private residences.

One notable example of Roman plumbing ingenuity is the city of Pompeii, which was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The excavation of Pompeii revealed a well-preserved plumbing system that included indoor plumbing in some houses. These systems featured piped water, private bathrooms with flushing toilets, and even hot and cold water systems.

The Romans also invented the concept of the cloaca maxima, an ancient sewer system that collected and transported wastewater away from the city to nearby bodies of water. This early recognition of the importance of sanitation and wastewater management was a significant advancement in public health.

While the Romans were not the only ancient civilization to develop indoor plumbing systems, their engineering prowess and widespread implementation of water supply and sanitation infrastructure make them a key player in the history of building interior water systems.

LaCrosse Playfield

April 27, 2025
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Geoffrey Hinton & John Hopfield

April 27, 2025
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The so-called “Godfather of AI” who won the Nobel Prize is Geoffrey Hinton. He was awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics alongside John Hopfield for their foundational discoveries and inventions that enabled machine learning with artificial neural networks.

Hinton, a British-Canadian computer scientist and cognitive psychologist, is widely recognized for his pioneering work on neural networks, particularly the development of the Boltzmann machine and contributions to the backpropagation algorithm, which have been critical to modern AI systems like ChatGPT.

The work of each, starting in the 1980s, laid the groundwork for the AI revolution, earning them the title “Godfathers of AI.”

John J. Hopfield delivered his Nobel Prize lecture “Physics is a point of view” on 8 December 2024 at the Aula Magna, Stockholm University. He was introduced by Professor Ellen Moons, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics.

East Village Café

April 27, 2025
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“The aroma of coffee is the scent of civilization.”
The Spectator, No. 91

 

Gingerbread Latte & Mince Pie

GOV.UK University Design Forum 

 

Charles Hansom Architect

Simple Gifts

April 26, 2025
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Instant Coffee & Meals Ready to Eat

April 25, 2025
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“Company A, 93rd New York Volunteers” | 1863 Winslow Homer

The History of Instant Coffee

Instant coffee is a staple in many people’s lives. Whenever you need a quick pick me up without having to go through the struggle of making an entire cup of coffee from scratch, instant coffee is there and ready. The earliest version of instant coffee was invented in the 18th century in Britain. It was called a “coffee compound” and was patented by the British government. In the United States, instant coffee was developed in 1853. It was tested during the Civil War in cake form, but instant coffee didn’t really take off until later. In 1901, Dr. Satori Kato was able to manufacture a stable powdered coffee, using a process he developed for making instant tea. In 1909, George Constant Louis Washington was able to get a patent and start the mass production of instant coffee, though the coffee was a novelty, it didn’t taste great.

Even though the coffee didn’t taste great, that didn’t stop it from being a staple among soldiers. The coffee got popular, and the mass production really blew up during World War 1. Caffeine provided the boost that soldiers needed while they were away at war and getting ready for battle. Instant coffee made getting that boost easy for soldiers and even after the war was over, still wanted the same instant coffee. Among some soldiers it was nicknamed, “cup of George.”

Instant coffee for the military was a large profitable market that G. Washington Coffee, Nescafe, and others had capitalized on. From 1939 to 1945, during World War 2, Nescafe and other brands of instant coffee supplied large quantities to the military. During one year of the war the U.S. military bought more than one million cases of Nescafe, which was their entire annual output of Nestle’s U.S. plant.

Nescafe became the most popular brand of instant coffee and was able to grow in popularity very quickly because of their new method of creating instant coffee. Around 1938, by co-drying coffee extract along with an equal amount of soluble carbohydrate they improved the taste. This made it better than the G. Washington Coffee because it was much more enjoyable.

There are two basic methods for producing instant coffee, freeze-drying and spray-drying. In freeze-drying, the coffee extract is frozen to about – 40°C and cut into granules. The frozen granules are then dried at low temperature and under vacuum. The quality of the aroma and flavor are protected by the very low temperature and gentle drying conditions. For spray-drying, in spray-drying the coffee extract is sprayed into a stream of hot air at the top of a tall cylindrical tower. As the droplets fall, they dry, becoming a fine powder by the time they reach the bottom. The powder may then be texturized into granules to facilitate dosage and dissolution. The quality of the aroma and flavor are preserved thanks to the very fast drying occurring during this process.

There are loads of instant coffee brands that people can choose from. Nescafé, Starbucks VIA, Maxwell House, Folgers, Robert Timms, International Roast, and Kava are a couple of popular brands, but there’s a bunch more at the grocery store. It’s all about finding which one you enjoy the most and then you’re able to have coffee whenever you need it.

Why did the Free City State Disappear?

Related:

Spoon University: My Case for Instant Coffee

“The Coffee Bearer” 1857 John Frederick Lewis

Home Economics

April 25, 2025
mike@standardsmichigan.com

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Today at the usual hour we review the standards, codes, regulations and best practice literature for the safety and sustainability of facilities for teaching skills needed for supporting families.

Inglenook

Salutariness | Fashion

Commercial Kitchens

Life Safety Code

Electrical Safety

Energy Standard for *Sites* and Buildings

Current Issues and Recent Research

What the University of Michigan has done to reduce the life cycle cost of the real assets of educational settlements in the USA

What is Happening to the Family, and Why?

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