Skyscrapers in New York City designed to withstand earthquakes

New York City experienced a 4.8 magnitude earthquake on Friday morning, centered in New Jersey about 45 miles west of the city. Despite the rare seismic event, no major damage was reported to the city’s infrastructure or buildings. Skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and One World Trade Centre are designed with flexibility to withstand moderate shaking, making them less susceptible to the ground-shaking action of earthquakes compared to shorter structures.

According to engineering experts, New York’s skyscrapers are built to withstand winds and impacts greater than typical earthquakes on the East Coast. Elisabeth Malsch, a managing principal at Thornton Tomasetti, a New York engineering firm, explained that skyscrapers are designed to sway slowly and slightly to protect themselves from powerful winds. Taller buildings are more flexible and constantly tested by wind forces, ensuring they are strong and flexible enough to handle earthquakes.

High-rise buildings in New York City, even the oldest ones, are constructed using high strength concrete and steel to withstand the gravitational load on the massive structures. Ahmad Rahimian, an executive vice president at the engineering firm WSP Global, emphasized that skyscrapers can be one of the safest places to be during an earthquake. Modern high-rises are equipped with dampers on their roofs to balance sway and absorb shock from extreme events, ensuring the safety and stability of the buildings.

The seismic activity in New York City served as a reminder for engineers to design buildings for all potential risks, including earthquakes, despite the low possibility of such events in the region. Skyscrapers in the city are generally built to withstand earthquakes of 6.5 magnitude and larger. Engineering firms like DeSimone Consulting Engineering have been involved in renovating landmark buildings in Manhattan, incorporating design features such as dampers to enhance structural resilience against various risks.

Overall, the earthquake in New York City highlighted the structural strength and resilience of skyscrapers in the face of rare seismic events. Engineers and architects have implemented advanced design techniques and materials to ensure the safety of these iconic buildings. Despite the minimal risk of earthquakes in the region, the construction and renovation of high-rise structures in the city prioritize safety and stability to protect residents and occupants in the event of any unforeseen natural disasters.

https://therealcrimediary.com/skyscrapers-in-new-york-city-designed-to-withstand-earthquakes/?feed_id=39859&_unique_id=663db7f5e554f