New York-based concrete superstructure contractor Highbury Concrete provides concrete services that offer both superior quality and safety. In addition to flatwork concrete projects, Highbury Concrete performs paving, sidewalk construction, and seismic retrofits, the modification of a structure to improve its ability to withstand seismic activity.
How well a building can withstand an earthquake depends on several factors, such as the construction materials, age of the building, and composition of the soil beneath it. However, a few building types are particularly vulnerable to earthquake damage, including:
- Soft-story structures
Many apartment buildings are soft-story structures that cannot withstand forces that push the building to the side. This movement increases the likelihood that the building will collapse during an earthquake. Soft-story structures are characterized by one level of the building, usually the ground floor, being weaker to lateral pressure than the other levels. This is commonly seen when apartments are over an open parking level or retail space with numerous windows and large interior areas, instead of a matrix of supportive walls.
- Unreinforced masonry (URM) structures
Often older structures, particularly those in downtown areas, are made of unreinforced masonry. These structures were built without any rebar or reinforcing materials in the walls. Reinforced masonry did not become common until 1933, so structures built before that time are URM structures.
- Tilt-up structures
These were built predominantly during the construction boom after World War II, and named for their precast concrete walls which were then tilted up to the vertical position upon installation. The method was most often used for strip malls, warehouses, and other light industrial facilities. Most tilt-up structures have weak connections between the walls and roof, which leave them vulnerable to earthquake damage.
How well a building can withstand an earthquake depends on several factors, such as the construction materials, age of the building, and composition of the soil beneath it. However, a few building types are particularly vulnerable to earthquake damage, including:
- Soft-story structures
Many apartment buildings are soft-story structures that cannot withstand forces that push the building to the side. This movement increases the likelihood that the building will collapse during an earthquake. Soft-story structures are characterized by one level of the building, usually the ground floor, being weaker to lateral pressure than the other levels. This is commonly seen when apartments are over an open parking level or retail space with numerous windows and large interior areas, instead of a matrix of supportive walls.
- Unreinforced masonry (URM) structures
Often older structures, particularly those in downtown areas, are made of unreinforced masonry. These structures were built without any rebar or reinforcing materials in the walls. Reinforced masonry did not become common until 1933, so structures built before that time are URM structures.
- Tilt-up structures
These were built predominantly during the construction boom after World War II, and named for their precast concrete walls which were then tilted up to the vertical position upon installation. The method was most often used for strip malls, warehouses, and other light industrial facilities. Most tilt-up structures have weak connections between the walls and roof, which leave them vulnerable to earthquake damage.
