SEARI
Structural Engineers Association of Rhode Island

Coastal Construction

Guides, References and Resources

Coastal Construction in Rhode Island

NOTE: Information below may be old - UPDATED 2014

Within flood hazard areas of Rhode Island, all new construction or substantial improvement (cost > 50% market value) shall be designed and constructed to resist flood hazards and flood loads per the following codes:

  • IBC 2012 Section 1612:  Flood Loads

  • IRC 2012 Section R322:  Flood Resistant Construction

  • ASCE 7-10 Chapter 5:  Flood Loads

  • ASCE 24-05 Flood Resistant Design&Construction

  • Rhode Island Building Code SBC-1 (2013) Appendix G

Base Flood Elevation and Digital Flood Insurance Maps

The base flood elevation (BFE) will need to be determined for the project.   The BFE is the height above sea level using NGVD 29 or NGVD 88 reference datum for the 1% flood event.   Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) show special flood hazard areas (SFHA).  Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) have been updated for all RI communities.   For maps, see the following links...

DIRMS have the following zones:

  • ZONE VE (commonly referred to as "V Zones" or CHHZ "Coastal High Hazard Zones")

  • ZONE AE (contains both "A Zones" and CAZ "Coastal A Zones"*)

  • ZONE X

*Coastal A Zones (CAZ) are defined as zones where breaking waves are between 1.5 feet and 3 feet.   It is necessary to determine whether a structure located within Zone AE falls within CAZ.  There are new lines on the DFIRMs as of 2014 that show white lines with two black dots - these are the boundary areas of what is called "limits of moderate wave action".   Coastal A Zones (CAZ)and V Zones (CHHZ) are areas that are subjected to high-velocity wave action and must meet the provisions of Section 4 of ASCE-24.    

Buildings located in a SFHA require an Elevation Certificate (EC).   This certificate is usually completed by a surveyor or civil engineer but can be an architect or other engineer.  Follow this link for EC information:
https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/160?id=1383

The ASCE 24 is a referenced standard in the International Building Code. Any building or structure that falls within the scope of the IBC or IRC that is proposed in a flood hazard area is to be designed in accordance with ASCE 24. Highlights 
include: Building Performance; Flood-Damage Resistant Materials; Utilities and Service Equipment; Coastal A definition and Siting Considerations.

Additional References and Resources: