JoAnn Browning

Research-to-Code Pathways for Safer, More Resilient Structures & Communities

Creating resilient and safe communities depends on a strong and sustained connection between research, engineering practice, and the development of building codes. While researchers often identify emerging challenges and generate new knowledge, these advances only achieve their intended impact when they are understood by practitioners and translated into the codes and assessment standards that shape real-world decisions. Achieving resilience therefore requires shared objectives, practical pathways for implementation, and close collaboration across academia, industry, and government.

This presentation highlights how coordinated partnerships have influenced major updates to two key American Concrete Institute standards: ACI 318, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete, and ACI 369, Standard for Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Concrete Buildings. Illustrative examples are drawn from U.S. natural hazards research collaboratives—including the National Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure (NHERI) network—which integrate mechanistic discovery, large-scale experimental testing, advanced simulation, and practice-driven documentation. These efforts demonstrate how multidisciplinary teams accelerate the development of seismic design and retrofit provisions.

The case studies also reflect lessons learned from longstanding collaborations between U.S. and New Zealand researchers and practicing engineers—particularly in advancing performance-based seismic engineering and improving the treatment of existing reinforced concrete buildings. Together, they show how evidence-based code development and sustained partnership move knowledge efficiently from discovery to implementation, strengthening the built environment and supporting more resilient communities worldwide.