Building Earthquake-Safe Structures: Understanding Queens County’s Seismic Standards for Masonry Construction

While New York City may not experience the frequent seismic activity of California, the combination of its geology and pedology allow for little damping and the lack of adequate reinforcement in existing structures have the potential to amplify the consequences of otherwise small events. For property owners and contractors in Queens County, understanding seismic building standards and selecting appropriate earthquake-resistant masonry materials has become increasingly important for ensuring structural safety and compliance with building codes.

Queens County Seismic Design Requirements

Requirements for Seismic Design Categories A, E and F have been eliminated from the New York City Building Code as such categories do not apply in New York City. However, this doesn’t mean seismic considerations are ignored. All masonry walls, unless isolated on three edges from in-plane motion of the basic structural systems, shall be considered to be part of the seismic-force-resisting system.

The current New York City Building Code establishes specific requirements for masonry construction in seismic applications. In structures assigned to Seismic Design Category A or B, seismic reinforcement is not required. In structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C or D, masonry fireplaces shall be reinforced and anchored according to prescribed standards.

Essential Earthquake-Resistant Masonry Materials

Selecting the right materials is crucial for earthquake-resistant masonry construction. The best earthquake-resistant construction materials have an important quality in common: high ductility. Ductility refers to the material’s ability to move and change shape without breaking or losing strength. Traditionally, steel and wood are the best and most common earthquake-resistant materials.

For masonry applications, strong mortar for jointing, high strength masonry like engineering bricks will contribute to the lateral strength of a masonry structure. Key material considerations include:

• High-strength masonry units: Engineering bricks and concrete masonry units (CMUs) with superior compressive strength
• Quality mortar: Portland cement-based mortars that provide strong bonds and resist weathering
• Reinforcement steel: Grade 60 rebar and joint reinforcement that meets ASTM standards
• Grout: High-strength grout for filling reinforced masonry cores

Reinforcement Systems for Seismic Resistance

Earthquake-resistant reinforced masonry is a construction system that combines elements of traditional masonry with the use of structural steel reinforcements to increase resistance and the ability to absorb seismic forces. The main goal of this system is to protect the masonry structure from earthquake damage, reducing the risk of collapse and ensuring the safety of occupants.

Effective reinforcement systems include:

• Horizontal joint reinforcement: Steel rods or bars are embedded in mortar joints throughout or near the edges of walls. This helps the wall resist shear and bending failures from horizontal loads
• Vertical reinforcement: The bars shall be anchored in to the foundation and also at the roof. If we do this, the rocking won’t happen and there will be bending instead. In wider walls also the rebars gives additional resistance to the horizontal forces
• Grouted cores: Reinforced masonry walls with grouted cells provide enhanced structural integrity
• Bond beam systems: Continuous reinforced concrete beams that tie masonry walls together

Design Considerations for Queens County Projects

Masonry structures have several inherent features that make them able to resist seismic loads. However, this comes into play if and only if some good principles are adopted in the scheme. The successful design of masonry structure, which is seismic resistant, does not depend on the exactness of calculation of seismic forces.

Critical design elements include:

• Wall connectivity: L Shaped dowels at the corners where 2 walls join will ensure better inter connectivity between the walls and thus provide integrity to the masonry building. This is very important for earthquake resistance of the building. The peripheral walls are major and these walls need this strapping carefully. This helps in achieving the desired box action for the entire building
• Opening reinforcement: It is important to provide ties above the openings throughout the building. It would be like a horizontal band on top of the opening at the lintel level
• Foundation anchoring: Walls that provide vertical load-bearing resistance or lateral shear resistance for a portion of the structure shall be anchored to the roof and to all floors and members that provide lateral support for the wall

Working with Professional Masonry Suppliers

For Queens County construction projects requiring earthquake-resistant masonry materials, working with experienced suppliers is essential. Valley Supply, located at 747 Meacham Avenue in Elmont, NY, has been serving the building materials industry for approximately 79 years. We are open to the public so you get the same quality materials Queens and Nassau County contractors depend on. The company specializes in Cambridge Paving stone and mason supplies & materials at Valley Supply, providing both contractors and property owners access to professional-grade masonry materials.

When sourcing materials for seismic-resistant masonry construction, it’s crucial to work with suppliers who understand local building code requirements and can provide materials that meet or exceed specifications. For comprehensive masonry supply needs in the region, Masonry Supply Queens County NY offers the expertise and inventory necessary for earthquake-resistant construction projects.

Ensuring Code Compliance and Quality Construction

Some provisions within the IBC, IRC and IEBC are intended to ensure that structures can adequately resist seismic forces during earthquakes. These seismic provisions represent the best available guidance on how structures should be designed and constructed to limit seismic risk.

Property owners and contractors should ensure their projects meet current building code requirements by:

• Consulting with structural engineers familiar with local seismic requirements
• Using materials that meet ASTM and building code specifications
• Following proper installation procedures for reinforcement systems
• Obtaining appropriate permits and inspections throughout construction

While Queens County may not face the same seismic risks as other regions, unless your community has adopted the latest model building code, including its seismic provisions, new structures in your community will probably not provide the current minimum level of protection from earthquake hazards. By understanding seismic building standards and selecting appropriate earthquake-resistant masonry materials and reinforcement systems, property owners can ensure their structures provide optimal safety and longevity for occupants and investments alike.