Codes & Standards

ASCE Standards provide technical guidelines for promoting safety, reliability, productivity, and efficiency in civil engineering. Many of our standards are referenced by model building codes and adopted by state and local jurisdiction. They also provide guidance for design projects around the world.

Standards Development Process

Accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), ASCE has a rigorous and formal process overseen by the Codes and Standards Committee (CSC). Standards are created or updated by a balanced, volunteer standards committee, followed by a public review period.

All standards are updated or reaffirmed at least every 5 years. ASCE's standards program is regularly audited to ensure compliance with the ASCE Rules for Standards Committees and that it is consistent with ANSI requirements.

• ASCE Rules for Standards Committees
• ASCE Standards Writing Manual
• ANSI Essential Requirements

Anyone can submit a proposal to change or create a standard. Please contact Codes and Standards Director for proposal form.

Step 1: Proposal

• Proposal for New Standards Activity
• Propose new or change to existing standard
• Propose an amendment to an ASCE Standard

Step 2: Balloting

The committee shapes a proposal into a standard through meetings and ballots. The volunteers writing standards are experts with knowledge and expertise in the particular field.

• Join an ASCE Standards Committee
• Standards in balloting process Web-based balloting

Upcoming Meetings

ASCE rules require a 30 day advance meeting announcement. Please complete this form to request a meeting date and time.

• ASCE/CORPI Design Standards for Piers and Wharves will meet on Thursday, January 30, 2020. Please contact Omar Jaradat for more information. 
  
• Wind Tunnel Testing ASCE/SEI 49 Standards Committee will meet on February 20 and 21, 2020 at Coral Gables, Fla. Location TBD. Contact Gregory Kopp for more information. 
• Wind Speed Estimation in Tornadoes Standards Committee will meet on March 30 through April 1, 2020 at IBHS Richburg, SC. Contact James LaDue for more information.
  
• Wind Tunnel Testing ASCE/SEI 49 Standards Committee will meet on June 11 and 12, 2020 at ARA Consultants in Raleigh, NC. Contact Gregory Kopp for more information. 

Step 3: Public Comment

Public comment – In accordance with ASCE Rules for Standards Committees, ASCE conducts a minimum 45-day Public Comment period on any new, revised, or reaffirmed standard. Any individual who is not a member of a Committee shall be permitted to participate in a public comment period on a standard. Comments submitted after the close of the public comment period will, at the discretion of the chair, be resolved during the current public comment period or will be considered during the next revision cycle of the standard.

Please find Standards accepting Public Comments.

Accessing the Public Comment System will require using or creating an ASCE web user account. For additional questions please contact ASCE’s Codes and Standards Coordinator James Neckel or at (703) 295-6176.

Step 4: Publication

There are over 60 published ASCE Standards.