U.S. Resiliency Council Publishes Earthquake Performance Comparison Study
Alexandria, VA – June 2, 2022
The RMC Research & Education Foundation and the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) are proud to announce a new report from the U.S. Resiliency Council (USRC) titled Earthquake Performance Comparison of Multifamily, Multistory Apartment Building Constructed of Various Materials. The report evaluated the comparative seismic performance of four commonly used construction types, including traditional wood framing, cross laminated timber (CLT), steel framing and concrete built using insulated concrete forms (ICF) for a typical multifamily building in three cities: Los Angeles, Seattle and Memphis, TN. The report estimated a potential return on investment when comparing construction and post-earthquake recovery costs of concrete versus the other construction materials. While there are a variety of factors that could be considered, the study focused on benefits surrounding reduced property loss and rental losses in each of the three geographical locations.
“We’re proud to work with our partners at NRMCA to release this illuminating USRC report,” said Foundation Chairman Rodney Grogan of Dunn Investment Company, adding “It’s important to understand the true costs of building material selection, especially in areas subject to natural disasters.” NRMCA Vice President, Fire Codes & Standards, Shamim Rashid-Sumar, PE, FSFPE, noted, “Our industry has long recognized the benefits of resilient construction. The USRC study quantifies these benefits beyond first construction costs to include the impacts of damage, repair and recovery time.”
The report is available for download from the Foundation’s website or NRMCA’s website. The vision of the RMC Research & Education Foundation is to be a lasting resource for increasing quality, professionalism and sustainability in the ready mixed concrete industry by funding and implementing research and education programs. For more information on the Foundation’s research and activities visit www.rmc-foundation.org. NRMCA represents the producers of ready mixed concrete and the companies that provide materials, equipment and support to the industry. Founded in 1930, NRMCA actively promotes the use of concrete. The association provides its members with education, training, promotion, research, engineering, safety, environmental, technological, advocacy and regulatory programs to enhance the profitability and professionalism of the industry.