We have assessed and retrofitted over 800 noteworthy heritage and commercial buildings across New Zealand and have developed proprietary methods and specialist expertise unmatched by other engineers. Explore our case studies below to learn how you can benefit from our experience and innovative approaches.
Seismic Assessment Peer Review of Six-Storey Reinforced Concrete Residential Building
The Detailed Seismic Assessment (DSA) was reworked significantly to address the issues found through the peer review process. As a result, the final seismic rating was revised to 40%NBS (previously 25%NBS). This means that the building is no longer earthquake-prone. Therefore, the earthquake-prone label was removed from the building, and there is no improvement work required by the council on the building under the Building Act 2004.
Seismic Assessment of Unreinforced Masonry historic Church
The existing church building was rated above 33%NBS (previously 14%NBS by another engineer). This means that the building is no longer earthquake-prone. The Detailed Seismic Assessment (DSA) and outcome were peer reviewed by international experts and resulted in the preservation of this historic church – a happy outcome for both the client and local community.
Seismic Retrofit of Unreinforced Masonry Landmark Heritage church
The existing church building was assessed and rated at less than 34%NBS in its original condition. This meant an earthquake-prone building. An innovative retrofit solution was developed and would upgrade the seismic rating to 67%NBS with minimal alteration to both the exterior and interior heritage features of the building – a positive outcome for both the client and local community who greatly value this Category 1 Heritage Church.
Seismic Retrofit of nine-storey heritage hotel
An alternative innovative retrofit solution was developed and finally adopted by the client and would upgrade the seismic rating of the subject building to 100%NBS without extensive new construction required, such as concrete shear walls and foundations. Compared to the originally proposed conventional retrofit solution by another engineer, the finally adopted alternative solution is more cost-effective, constructible, environmentally friendly, less disruptive during construction and would preserve all of the Category 2 heritage features (i.e. the exterior brick facades).
Seismic Assessment of Ten-Storey Reinforced Concrete Office
The seismic rating was revised accordingly to 67%NBS (previously less than 34%NBS by another engineer). The earthquake-prone label was removed from the building. The outcome was also verified against a real earthquake that shook the subject building recently.
Seismic Assessment of Sixteen-Storey Reinforced Concrete Office tower
The seismic rating of the existing building in its original condition is 100%NBS. This was a positive outcome giving both the client and the tenants peace-of-mind. It also provided useful and robust information on the structural capacity and performance of the building, which allowed the client to plan for further works within the building.
Seismic Retrofit of Four-Storey Reinforced Concrete Office/Warehouse
The subject building was rated at less than 34%NBS in its original condition – therefore, it was earthquake-prone. Subsequently, it was retrofitted to 75%NBS. The retrofit solution is very innovative and efficient and allowed the building to be fully occupied with minimal disruption during construction.
Seismic Assessment of eight-storey Reinforced Concrete office
The seismic rating of the subject building was revised to 68%NBS (originally 40%NBS by another engineer). The tenant continued to happily occupy the building.
Seismic Retrofit of Four-Storey Reinforced Concrete Office, Retail / Restaurant building
The original strengthening scheme was significantly revised as a result of the peer review inputs to achieve a much safer building and ultimately save human lives during a major earthquake.
Seismic Assessment and Retrofit of Two-Storey Reinforced Concrete Supermarket
The seismic rating of the existing supermarket building in its original condition was revised to 6%NBS only (previously 67%NBS). Subsequently, the carpark floor slab was strengthened using CFRP strips and steel plates around the slab edges to make the building safer and ultimately save human lives during a major earthquake.