How did houses perform?
BRANZ research shows that houses built to the current Building Code and standards generally stood up well to the Canterbury earthquakes. However, more complex specifically designed houses often had issues.
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By Graeme Beattie, Roger Shelton – 1 February 2013, Build 134, Feature article
BRANZ research shows that houses built to the current Building Code and standards generally stood up well to the Canterbury earthquakes. However, more complex specifically designed houses often had issues.
By Michael Nuth – 1 April 2020, Build 177, Feature article
The sudden closure of public buildings and amenities due to seismic risk can have a negative effect on local communities. BRANZ is part of a joint team aiming to help local authorities make well-informed decisions about earthquake-prone buildings.
By Greg Baker – 1 February 2014, Build 140
BRANZ research investigating the impact of the Canterbury earthquakes on passive fire protection (PFP) has found awareness about the seismic performance of these important systems needs to be raised.
By Professor Suzanne Wilkinson – 1 December 2013, Build 139, Feature article
Earthquake-ravaged Canterbury is following a familiar path as it rebuilds. Studies of other places struck by disaster show there are well defined phases the city will go through before a new normal is asserted.
By Kelvin Zuo, Jeff Seadon, Professor Suzanne Wilkinson – 1 February 2013, Build 134, Feature article
Interviews of stakeholders in the Canterbury construction sector have identified productivity improvement opportunities and impediments.
By Angela Liu – 1 October 2018, Build 168
BRANZ research suggests changes are needed to the bracing provisions in NZS 3604:2011 Timber-framed buildings to avoid the damage to irregularly shaped houses that occurred in the Canterbury earthquakes.
By Stuart Thurston – 1 August 2008, Build 107
Brick veneer is currently popular, being used in about 44% of new houses. Historically, brick veneer houses have not performed well in earthquakes but after recent building changes, how do the modern houses stand up?
By Lois Easton – 1 October 2012, Build 132
The first house in Beacon’s Build Back Smarter project shows how earthquake repairs offer a golden opportunity to improve performance.
By Michael Nuth, Charlotte Brown, David Brunsdon, John Hopkins, Emma Hudson-Doyle – 1 December 2021, Build 187
Councils are having to take decisions about whether to close earthquake-prone buildings, which can have an adverse impact on local communities. A new decision-making framework will help ensure a measured risk assessment.
By Greg Baker – 1 October 2011, Build 126, Feature article
BRANZ engineering staff have been busy on several fronts since the February earthquake, from inspecting residential properties to learning from the damage and advising on changes that may be needed.