COMPLETED RESEARCH

ADVANCED CODE COMPLIANCE FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY ENVIRONMENTS
by
Jennifer Jones

ABSTRACT

Many members of the design and construction industry find codes and standards intimidating and confusing with variations, both among, and within jurisdictions. The confusion arises mostly because of the ways in which these regulations were developed. A building code is enforceable by the police powers of the state. Building code provisions are directed towards public health, safety, and general welfare. Additionally, codes represent established minimum criteria that must be met by the design and construction industry.  An impressive Semiconductor Fabrication Facility can be built, but it would be worthless without a certificate of occupancy. This certification depends heavily on the level of compliance of the building with the intent of the relevant codes. Often times, the professionals in the design/construction industry find it difficult or non-profitable to comply with codes exactly as prescribed and, hence, find themselves looking for alternate means of compliance. Alternate Means and Methods (AMM) are alternate compliance strategies that are not prescribed by the code but comply with their intent and purpose. The purpose of this research is to identify, specify and catalog the Alternate Means and Methods (AMM) of Code Compliance that apply to the design, construction and commissioning of advanced technology facilities in the semiconductor industry. The AMM resource developed will provide the semiconductor industry with an invaluable tool to assist with code compliance issues.

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