The strengthening of existing buildings for earthquakes

Abstract

The strengthening of earthquake risk buildings is presently gaining wide public and professional attention. Architects, Engineers, Quantity Wurveyors, Valuers, Property Managers and public lobby groups such as Civic Trusts, Housing Trusts, area Societies and the Historic Places Trust are all involved in discussion over the various issues. This report sets out to present a literary survey of strengthening and repair methods for existing buildings relevant to New Zealand's seismic background. The economics and costing of strengthening work are considered and broad guidelines offered. To give this theoretical basis some practical relevance and specific detail the strengthening of the main block at Wairarapa College has been included.