by Shane Henson — October 12, 2011—New Zealand’s Department of Building and Housing has released a report explaining why three large multistory buildings in Christchurch failed in the country’s February 22 earthquake.
According to the report, the Pyne Gould Corporation, Forsyth Barr and Hotel Grand Chancellor buildings failed principally because the earthquake was extremely violent, and, when they were built, design requirements were not as rigorous as they are now. The buildings were found to lack resilience and the ability to move and respond without losing strength.
The report may serve as a wake-up call for building owners of older facilities across the world whose facilities may not be able to withstand small or large earthquakes. Based on the findings on the three New Zealand buildings, a number of recommendations to improve building standards and best practices have been made.
The agency says it is also working with the Structural Engineering Society of New Zealand (SESOC), the design profession, and Standards New Zealand on aspects of design, building detailing and construction.
A copy of the technical investigation reports can be downloaded from the Department of Building and Housing Web site.
