ABSTRACT Three important aspects in the engineering assessment of soil liquefaction, i.e. material characterization of liquefiable soils, in-situ state characterization of soils, and system response of liquefiable deposits are the subject of this paper. These aspects in the assessment are especially important in the evaluation…
Abstract A proposed expansion at the Lyttelton Port of Christchurch in New Zealand consists of the reclamation of approximately 34 hectares of new land and the construction of a new wharf supported on piles. Seismic response of the reclamation and soil-pile interaction have been key…
Abstract A site-specific geotechnical engineering approach was proposed as part of a seismic retrofit design of a multi-storey building in Christchurch CBD (Central Business District). Various analytical techniques were utilized including Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA), development of time histories, Site Specific Response Analysis (SSRA),…
Abstract Disaster recovery takes place in an abnormal environment. A defining tension exists between the need to rebuild quickly, but with careful deliberation. This tension poses risks for the health and safety of workers involved, at a time when risk levels are higher than normally…
Introduction The document, “The Seismic Assessment of Existing Buildings” July 2017 (The Guidelines) provides a technical basis for engineers to carry out seismic assessments of existing buildings in New Zealand. The Guidelines support seismic assessments for a range of purposes, including whether or not a…
ABSTRACT Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is critical to geosynthetic resins. It causes polymer bond breakage leading to loss of all properties including discoloration, tensile strength and tensile elongation. This paper presents the test results of outdoor weathering of a high strength woven polyester reinforcement geotextile at…
Abstract Following the companion study of McGann et al. [1], seismic piezocone (SCPTu) data compiled from sites in Christchurch, New Zealand area are used with multiple linear regression to develop a Christchurch-specific empirical correlation for use in predicting soil shear wave velocities, Vs, from cone…
ABSTRACT Following the 2010-2011 Canterbury Earthquake Sequence a Royal Commission of inquiry provided approximately 200 recommendations to the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE). Of these, over thirty were specific to geotechnical engineering. The royal inquiry recommended that MBIE work with industry to improve…
This article is an introduction to a new regular series that will feature in the upcoming editions of NZ Geomechanics News. The series of articles will largely be directed towards those undergraduate and graduate students planning to practice in the fields of engineering geology or…
The New Zealand Geotechnical Society Student Awards are presented to recognise and encourage student participation in the fields of geotechnical engineering and engineering geology, and to introduce our best student talent to potential employers. For these awards, students of a recognised tertiary institution in New…