Domestic detailing for earthquakes: past and present practice

Abstract

New Zealand is a country prone to earthquakes. Records of earthquakes and the resultant damage to man-made structures have, until recently, led to little improvement in construction practices. Earthquake damage which occurred in New Zealand's early settlements will happen again if an earthquake of medium magnitude occurs in any populated area. In many areas, damage will be vastly more devastating than in earlier times, due to the degeneration of building practices, particularly since the early seventies. Why has this situation been allowed to develop and what steps have been taken to halt this degeneration of construction practice? This report questions construction practices which caused building failures in New Zealand's earlier history and are likely to cause the same damage today. It will point out the modern trends in construction and the associated faults. A history of earthquake damage and New Zealand regulations and codes, will assist in an understanding of the effects of earthquakes on domestic building, and illustrate the major weaknesses in design and construction. The text is not highly technical and is aimed at builders, architects and home handymen alike, and all who are involved in construction on the domestic scene. It is hoped that those who read this report will have a greater understanding of good construction practice and detailing for earthquake conditions in New Zealand buildings.