On Friday morning, a 4.8 magnitude earthquake centered in New Jersey rattled New York City, causing the ground to rumble beneath famous skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center. Despite the tall height of these buildings, engineering experts reassured the public that skyscrapers are built with enough flexibility to withstand moderate shaking. Governor Kathy Hochul reported at least 25 aftershocks since the initial quake, with some being felt in the city, but no major damage was reported to buildings, roads, or the transit system. The operators of the Empire State Building even reassured the public by posting “I AM FINE” on the building’s account.
According to Elisabeth Malsch of Thornton Tomasetti, a New York engineering firm that has worked on major city landmarks, New York’s skyscrapers are designed to withstand winds and impacts far greater than typical earthquakes on the East Coast. Skyscrapers are built to sway slightly in response to strong winds, which helps protect them against hurricanes and other powerful forces. Malsch explained that taller buildings are more flexible due to their design to handle wind push and pull, making them less susceptible to earthquakes. The structures are made of high-strength concrete and steel to withstand gravitational loads, even the oldest skyscrapers in the city.
Ahmad Rahimian, an executive vice president at WSP Global, noted that high-rise buildings can be some of the safest places during an earthquake. The skyscrapers in New York are generally built to withstand earthquakes of 6.5 magnitude and larger, with modern high-rises equipped with dampers on their roofs to balance sway and absorb shocks from extreme events. Borys Hayda of DeSimone Consulting Engineering emphasized that engineers must design for all potential risks, even in areas like New York with a low possibility of earthquakes. The innovative design and materials used in the construction of skyscrapers in the city ensure that they can withstand various types of disasters.
Overall, the earthquake that shook New York City on Friday highlighted the resilience and safety features of the city’s iconic skyscrapers. Despite the rare event, the buildings remained intact and unharmed, showcasing the effectiveness of the engineering and design principles used in their construction. With measures in place to handle intense winds and potential earthquake shaking, the high-rise buildings in New York are well-equipped to protect residents and visitors in the event of natural disasters. The reassurance from experts and the lack of major damage following the quake serve as a testament to the durability and strength of the city’s architectural marvels.
