Updating New Zealand’s guidance for seismic assessment of “non-earthquake prone” existing concrete buildings

Presentation

When – 13th February 2024

Where – Building 401-401, 20 Symonds Street (University of Auckland Faculty of Engineering). Access from Symonds Street (Refer City Campus Map Link).

Agenda –
17:30 pre-presentation refreshments
18:00 presentation

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Abstract

It is five years since guidance used as the basis for seismic assessments of existing concrete buildings in New Zealand was last updated. Since that update use of the guidance and ongoing research has led to identification of aspects of the guidance that warrant further improvement. To address this need, Compusoft Engineering were commissioned to produce change proposals for Section C5 and other related parts of the guidance.

Key change proposals include:

• Better defining the intent of assessments in Section C1, and simplifying the application of the structural performance factor, , during assessments,
• Changes to Section C5 to improve assessment of splices and mechanical connections, include guidance for corroding structures, resolve contradictions related to stiffness modifiers, and improving the clarity of provisions aimed at preventing loss of gravity load carrying capacity,
• Improvements to diaphragm assessment provisions in Sections C2 and C5, particularly as relate to collector elements and the impact of wide cracks on diaphragm load paths, and
• Adjusting procedures for assessment of precast concrete floors so that the outcomes align better with experimental results.

While not yet evaluated quantitatively, it is expected that the proposed changes would generally improve assessment outcomes and lead to higher earthquake ratings for buildings.

Biography

Nicholas Brooke is a structural engineer and Managing Director of Compusoft Engineering, a consulting firm based in Auckland. Nic is president of SESOC, and a past president of Concrete New Zealand Learned Society. In recent times he has been leading the project to update New Zealand's assessment guidance for concrete structures.

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