by Jeffrey C Kadlowec, Registered Architect

There is a predominate number of traditional masonry building throughout the Greater Las Vegas Valley. These are defined by the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) [1] in Chapter 6 as Type III construction. Although [2] analyzes these types of structures in Iran where most of these older structures are unreinforced, the ones built in Southern Nevada are typically reinforced and fully grouted. All of these building however exhibit similar material choices and design elements—the walls are masonry, either stone, brick or concrete block supporting wood framed roofs. As with every structure, they react to natural forces of gravity, wind and rain, and are susceptible to destructive forces of fires, earthquakes and flooding.

‘The Meadows’ (Spanish, Las Vegas) is a natural aquafer with a foundation of bedrock and does not experience frequent earthquakes like Iran or California. Fires and floods are of much greater concern in this region. Chapter 6 of [1] dictates the fire-resistance rating of structural and non-structural elements, while chapter 7 outlines the details of other building elements against fire and smoke. Fire protection and life safety systems are covered in chapter 9 and the International Fire Code (IFC). Design criteria for means of egress and related accessibility can be found in chapters 10 & 11. Though not specifically expressed throughout the code books, [3] explores vulnerability of masonry buildings to flash floods; while [4] discusses ways of retrofitting these buildings against flooding.

Las Vegas is experience a rapidly increasing demand in housing construction is also occurring throughout the world including urban centers in Brazil. As [5] states, structural masonry is emerging as one of the construction techniques of choice due to economical, modern and rational advantageous. The table presented by [5] illustrates the physical properties of masonry, mortar and bricks—all with compressive strength and elasticity. While masonry provides initial thermal protection, exposure to high temperatures to only one side will create differential expansion—leading to material degradation and possible structural collapse [5]. The performance of civic and government buildings during fire events is explored by [6], with recommendations regarding fire and smoke detection systems and alarms and protection and mitigation equipment like extinguishers, hydrants and reservoir tanks.

With an increase in extreme weather events and a rising sea level, flooding has become a growing concern to engineers and civilians throughout the coastal United States. As the sunniest and driest city in this country, the desert climate of Las Vegas is of important consideration in the design of buildings with emphasis on water and waste management by the Las Vegas Valley Water District and Clark County Water Reclamation. Final review before approval for permit by both agencies is required. Heavy rains in the winter months leave buildings vulnerable to flash floods and create the potential for structural damage as presented by [7]. [8] explores the effects of these conditions in detail, the factors of possible failures, and suggests retrofitting existing structures to resist them.

With the aging of buildings in a dynamic city with a living history, Las Vegas remains an international destination for both business and pleasure. It is important that we, as design professionals in the construction industry, take the necessary measure to protect the public health, safety and welfare while also striving to preserve the existing fabric of this city and promote future sustainable growth throughout the valley and the rest of the world. Education, discussion and strive towards creative solutions to these and other issues are responsibility of everyone involved in any and every construction project.

References

[1] International Building Code. (2018). International Code Council, Digital Codes. https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2018.
[2] Chenaghlou, Mohammad & Kheirollahi, Mohammad & Shahbazi, Yaser & Kabirsaber, Bagher. (2022). Evaluation of the wooden structural elements in the Behavior of Traditional masonry buildings. 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2034921/v1.
[3] Milanesi, Luca & Pilotti, Marco & Belleri, Andrea & Marini, Alessandra & Fuchs, Sven. (2018). Vulnerability to Flash Floods: A Simplified Structural Model for Masonry Buildings. Water Resources Research. 54. 10.1029/2018WR022577.
[4] Seron, Victor Gnanasekaran & Suhoothi, A.C.M.. (2017). Retrofitting of Unreinforced Masonry Buildings against Flooding. 10.13140/RG.2.2.36062.13122.
[5] Fanton, Andreia & Almeida, Luiz & Trautwein, Leandro. (2022). Eurocode Structural Fire Design of Brazilian Masonry Buildings: A Comparison Between Concrete and Clay Units.
[6] Adnan, Muhammad & Jameel, Muhammad & Raza, Ali. (2021). Behaviour of Brick Masonry Structures During Fire Event: A Review.
[7] Milanesi, Luca & Pilotti, Marco & Belleri, Andrea & Marini, Alessandra & Fuchs, Sven. (2018). Vulnerability to Flash Floods: A Simplified Structural Model for Masonry Buildings. Water Resources Research. 54. 10.1029/2018WR022577.
[8] Seron, Victor Gnanasekaran & Suhoothi, A.C.M.. (2017). Retrofitting of Unreinforced Masonry Buildings against Flooding. 10.13140/RG.2.2.36062.13122.