Flagship Programme 3
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Addressing earthquake-vulnerable buildings – A multidisciplinary approach
Leader: Ken Elwood
Deputy Leader: Ilan Noy
Industry Representative: Bryce Davies
This flagship will result in the development and validation of procedures to forecast the socio-economic impacts of building demolitions and retrofits that are legislated to occur within the coming decade. Improved assessment guidance will mitigate conservative seismic assessments that result in unnecessary demolition of existing buildings, including the country’s built heritage, enabling economically-viable policy solutions. Proven cost-effective and architecturally-appropriate earthquake strengthening solutions will be developed and communicated to structural engineers nationwide so that results can be immediately implemented. Consideration will be given to the range of existing buildings posing a risk in New Zealand’s cities, not just those classified as earthquake-prone by legislation.
Key Thrust Areas
1: Methodologies for earthquake-vulnerable buildings
Development of validated methodologies for detailed assessment and improvement of earthquake-vulnerable buildings such as unreinforced masonry and reinforced concrete buildings. Where possible, validation may be achieved via field testing in buildings scheduled for demolition.
2: Economics of earthquake vulnerable buildings
Development of methodologies for economic assessment of options for addressing earthquake-vulnerable buildings, namely: mitigation, demolition, or no action.
3: Societal perceptions and Policy
Understanding the development of policy and initiatives regarding earthquake-vulnerable buildings, including understanding societal involvement and expectations in such policy.