Strengthening Buildings for Earthquake Implementing New Zealand Legislation

Abstract eng:
In 2004 new provisions for dealing with earthquake risk buildings were introduced into the Building Act in New Zealand. All buildings except small residential buildings are now covered. The legislation required 73 territorial authorities to develop policies on earthquake-prone buildings, consult publicly on the policies, and submit them to the Department of Building and Housing. An earthquake-prone building is defined as one that would have its ultimate capacity exceeded in an earthquake one-third as strong as that used to design a new building at the same site. The new requirements led to considerable debate in the various communities on earthquake strengthening. Economic, social and heritage aspects were of main concern, as territorial authorities determined policies to match their widely varying seismic, economic and social circumstances. The Department of Building and Housing provided guidance to territorial authorities for developing suitable policies. This included supporting the NZSEE in developing its recently released recommendations, Assessment and Improvement of the Structural Performance of Buildings in Earthquake. Territorial authority policies have been in place for almost two years and vary widely in their approach and the required times for strengthening. Implementation of the legislation is helping to reduce earthquake risk of existing buildings in New Zealand. The issues raised by the legislation, the challenges faced and the approaches taken provide valuable insights for those contemplating similar legislation or mitigation programmes.

• Export as: BibTeX | MARC | MARCXML | DC | EndNote | NLM | RefWorks
• Add to your basket