Seismic Assessment of Buildings in Wellington: Experiences and Challenges

Abstract eng:
In response to requirements of the New Zealand Building Act 2004, Wellington City Council (WCC) has developed a comprehensive policy for the identification and improvement of earthquake risk buildings in the city. As part of the policy WCC is taking a lead to screen pre 1976 buildings using the qualitative, attribute based, rapid assessment Initial Evaluation Procedure prescribed by Assessment and Improvement of the Structural Performance of Buildings in Earthquakes, a guideline developed by New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering. The plan is to assess all 3,800 buildings within the identified age group which is considered potentially at risk, over a three year period. Approximately 1,100 assessments have now been completed. The objective is to identify all buildings that are earthquake-prone, a term defined in legislation to describe buildings that meet less than 1/3rd of the current earthquake standard for new buildings. The building owners are notified once their building has been identified as potentially earthquake-prone and are given 6 months to provide evidence why the building should not be classified as earthquake-prone. In the absence of contradictory evidence, the building will be designated as earthquake-prone on expiry of this period and the owners will be required to upgrade the building within a timetable that depends on the building’s use and importance. Given the socio-economic implications of the building assessment, and its outcome, WCC has taken a sensitive approach to these assessments and to advising building owners. This paper discusses the approach and methodology adopted by WCC, its implications, and challenges. It records the emerging issues, the steps taken to mitigate these, and the experiences gained in the process.

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