NIST on the Champlain Towers South investigation: potential recommendations on construction quality and building inspections
On 28 September 2026 NIST reported on the meeting of the National Construction Safety Team Advisory Committee held on 23–24 September. Progress was presented on the investigations into the 2021 partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South building and the impacts of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico in 2017.
- It was the committee’s first meeting since June 2026, when the Champlain Towers South team released its technical findings; potential topics for recommendations include quality and design of construction, code enforcement and records retention, and building inspections.
- The investigation includes, among others, a materials science project; NIST stresses that each investigation rests on extensive data collection, testing and modelling and on collaboration with outside experts.
- Draft findings on Hurricane Maria show that hospitals and schools generally suffered minimal structural damage but extensive water intrusion through damaged building enclosures: roof coverings, windows, doors and roof-mounted equipment.
- The team is interviewing officials, inspectors and contractors about condition assessment and code enforcement practices; improvements to codes and standards made after the 2011 Joplin tornado investigation were also presented.
Source: NIST — NIST Provides Updates on National Construction Safety Team Activities