Sinking NYC: The Weight of Its Skyscrapers
Staff Editor New York City is a city of iconic skyscrapers, but it appears that the weight of these buildings is causing the city to sink. According to recent studies, NYC has been sinking at an average rate of about 2mm per year due to its heavy load. This may not seem like much in one year, but over time this could lead to serious problems for New York’s infrastructure and its inhabitants.
The cause behind this phenomenon lies in the fact that many parts of New York are built on landfill or reclaimed land which can be prone to settling under pressure from large structures, such as skyscrapers. As more and more buildings are constructed each year, they add additional strain on the already weakened ground beneath them leading it further downward into the Earth’s surface.
Fortunately, there have been steps taken by engineers and architects alike to help prevent any major damage caused by subsidence or settlement issues throughout NYC’s skyline; including using different types of foundations for new construction projects along with reinforcing existing ones when necessary. While these measures will certainly help slow down any potential sinking effects from occurring too quickly, only time will tell if they prove successful enough over long-term use.
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