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.
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.
Upcoming Meetings
ASCE rules require a 30 day advance meeting announcement. Please complete this form, to request a meeting date and time.
- Wind Tunnel Testing (ASCE/SEI 49) Standards Committee will meet Tuesday and Wednesday, May 29–30, 2018, at the EMI Conference in Boston, MA. Contact
Gregory Kopp for more information.
- Atmospheric Water Management Standards Committee will meet Monday, 4 June 2018, at the EWRI Congress meeting site in Minneapolis, MN. Contact Conrad Keyes for more information.
- Seismic Design of Piers and Wharves Standards Committee will meet Thursday and Friday, July 12-13, 2018. at the Port of Seattle, 2711 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA. Contact Gayle Johnson for more information.
- Wind Speed Estimation in Tornadoes Standards Committee will meet on Friday, September 28, 2018, at I Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign, IL. Contact
James LaDue 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.