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Research papers, The University of Auckland Library

As a result of the 4 September 2010 Darfield earthquake and the more damaging 22 February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, considerable damage occurred to a significant number of buildings in Christchurch. The damage that occurred to the Christchurch Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament (commonly known as the Christchurch Basilica) as a result of the Canterbury earthquakes is reported, and the observed failure modes are identified. A previous strengthening intervention is outlined and the estimated capacity of the building is discussed. This strengthening was completed in 2004, and addressed the worst aspects of the building's seismic vulnerability. Urgent work was undertaken post-earthquake to secure parts of the building in order to limit damage and prevent collapse of unstable parts of the building. The approach taken for this securing is outlined, and the performance of the building and the previously installed earthquake strengthening intervention is evaluated.A key consideration throughout the project was the interaction between the structural securing requirements that were driven by the requirement to limit damage and mitigate hazards, and the heritage considerations. Lessons learnt from the strengthening that was carried out, the securing work undertaken, and the approach taken in making the building "safe" are discussed. Some conclusions are drawn with respect to the effectiveness of strengthening similar building types, and the approach taken to secure the building under active seismic conditions. AM - Accepted Manuscript

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Damage to the dome of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. Cracking around the base of the dome shows how it has moved. In the foreground, damage to the north-west corner of the building can be seen. The photographer comments, "A bike ride around the CBD. Catholic Cathedral, Barbadoes St".

Images, eqnz.chch.2010

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Christcurch, after the 6.3 magnitude quake on 22 February 2011. When The Angels Fall Take your father's cross Gently from the wall A shadow still remaining See the churches fall In mighty arcs of sound And all that they're containing Yet all the rugged souls Looking for their lost homes Shuffle to...