Most Earthquakes Can Be Withstood by New York City's Skyscrapers

New York City experienced a 4.8 magnitude earthquake centered in New Jersey, causing the ground to rumble beneath famous skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and One World Trade Centre. Despite their height, skyscrapers are actually built with enough flexibility to withstand moderate shaking, according to engineering experts. Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed that there were at least 25 aftershocks, but no major damage was reported to the city's infrastructure. The iconic Empire State Building even assured its safety by posting "I AM FINE" on its social media account. Elisabeth Malsch, a managing principal at Thornton Tomasetti, a New York engineering firm, explained that skyscrapers in the city are constructed to withstand winds and impacts far greater than the earthquakes typically seen on the East Coast. These buildings are designed to sway slowly and slightly to protect themselves against powerful winds, making them less susceptible to ground-shaking actions during earthquakes. The high-strength materials like concrete and steel used in construction ensure that even the oldest skyscrapers can withstand the gravitational load on the massive structures. Ahmad Rahimian, an executive vice president at WSP Global, who was involved in the construction of One World Trade Centre and The Shard in London, emphasized that high-rise buildings can be one of the safest places to be during an earthquake. The skyscrapers in New York City are generally built to withstand earthquakes of 6.5 magnitude and larger. More modern high-rises are equipped with dampers on their roofs that can balance the sway and absorb shock from extreme events, further enhancing their safety in potential earthquake scenarios. Borys Hayda, a managing principal at DeSimone Consulting Engineering, highlighted the importance of designing buildings in New York City for all types of potential risks, even though earthquakes are less common in the region. Skyscrapers are continuously tested by wind forces, ensuring they are strong and flexible enough to handle earthquakes. The engineering and construction standards for these iconic buildings in the city are aimed at providing safety and resilience in the face of various natural disasters. Overall, New York City's skyscrapers are designed and constructed with the necessary flexibility and strength to withstand moderate shaking from earthquakes. Despite the rare occurrence of such events in the region, engineers ensure that these structures are resilient and safe for occupants. The use of high-strength materials, advanced technology like dampers, and rigorous testing against wind forces contribute to the structural integrity of these iconic buildings, making them among the safest places to be during seismic events. https://therealcrimediary.com/most-earthquakes-can-be-withstood-by-new-york-citys-skyscrapers/?feed_id=33732&_unique_id=66313fc5aef48

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