EQC Media release

Geotechnical work on TC3 properties to start in March

February 3, 2011

Technical assessments will begin for the 8000 – 10,000 Christchurch Green Zone homes in Technical Category 3 (or blue/green) with foundation damage in the next six to eight weeks, the Earthquake Commission says.

EQC Customer Services general manager Bruce Emson says the assessments will be undertaken on all TC3 properties where there is confirmed foundation damage, and as a result may require bespoke foundation solutions.

The technical assessments will help EQC and private insurers determine the cost of foundation repair or replacement as part of customers’ building claims for earthquake damage.

“The assessment will have two components; on-site drilling and an offsite geotechnical analysis.

“Drilling will start in the next 6-8 weeks. The drill results will require analysis by a geotechnical engineer in order to establish the best foundation solution for the property.

“Once analysis is completed, a structural engineer may be required to design the foundation solution on a case by case basis.”

Mr Emson says the entire process from drilling to foundation repair will take considerable time, but the aim is to provide some certainty for TC3 landowners.

“EQC, private insurers and the Department of Building and Housing are all moving as quickly as they can to work out the best repair or rebuilding solution for customers in the blue/green zone.

“The work is complex, and each property will throw up its own challenges, but this is the beginning of the end of the long wait for these customers.”

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