Earthquake strengthening message for Christchurch heritage owners

Why masonry buildings fail in earthquakes and the major issues that need to be considered when strengthening buildings will be part of the focus of a free public talk by one of the country’s leading structural engineers.

Win Clark, consulting structural engineer for the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) and Executive Officer for the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering, has worked with the NZHPT for several years, assessing heritage buildings and providing advice to owners in Canterbury.

The public talk in Christchurch on Wednesday 22 May for owners of heritage and masonry buildings is part of a national lecture series on strengthening.

Techniques available for strengthening the remaining older building stock will be discussed and Mr Clark says local and international research has extended the understanding of requirements for structural upgrading of masonry buildings and provided new techniques for strengthening.

“These techniques aim to enhance the capacity of existing materials to resist an earthquake, without adding significant new structure. This provides a greater opportunity to protect heritage fabric because it can minimise the need to increase wall thicknesses or add walls or steel frames.”

The cost and viability of strengthening solutions will also be considered.

General Manager for the NZHPT’s Southern Region, Rob Hall, says Win Clark’s expertise has been invaluable for many heritage building owners, as Christchurch looks to hold on to its remaining heritage.

“Although a significant portion of Christchurch’s distinctive gothic revival architecture has been lost, connections to the past remain, and it’s vital that we do what we can to preserve them so that heritage plays an important role in the city rebuild.”

Mr Hall says the earthquake recovery still has a long way to go.

“Many are keen to know what heritage we will have left in the Blueprint and what we can do to strengthen those buildings so their future can be secured.”

What: A Public talk by Win Clark:
Can earthquake-prone masonry buildings be strengthened? Yes, they can!

When: Wednesday 22 May, 7.00-8.30pm.
Where: Cashmere Hills Presbyterian Church, 2 Macmillan Avenue, Christchurch.
Parking: Street-side parking and also to the side of Cashmere Village Green on Dyers Pass Road.
Admission: FREE, seating is limited so arrive early. Booking not required.

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