Search

found 79 results

Images for ceiling; more images...

Research papers, University of Canterbury Library

The ultimate goal of this study is to develop a model representing the in-plane behaviour of plasterboard ceiling diaphragms, as part of the efforts towards performance-based seismic engineering of low-rise light timber-framed (LTF) residential buildings in New Zealand (NZ). LTF residential buildings in NZ are constructed according to a prescriptive standard – NZS 3604 Timberframed buildings [1]. With regards to seismic resisting systems, LTF buildings constructed to NZS3604 often have irregular bracing arrangements within a floor plane. A damage survey of LTF buildings after the Canterbury earthquake revealed that structural irregularity (irregular bracing arrangement within a plane) significantly exacerbated the earthquake damage to LTF buildings. When a building has irregular bracing arrangements, the building will have not only translational deflections but also a torsional response in earthquakes. How effectively the induced torsion can be resolved depends on the stiffness of the floors/roof diaphragms. Ceiling and floor diaphragms in LTF buildings in NZ have different construction details from the rest of the world and there appears to be no information available on timber diaphragms typical of NZ practice. This paper presents experimental studies undertaken on plasterboard ceiling diaphragms as typical of NZ residential practice. Based on the test results, a mathematical model simulating the in-plane stiffness of plasterboard ceiling diaphragms was developed, and the developed model has a similar format to that of plasterboard bracing wall elements presented in an accompany paper by Liu [2]. With these two models, three-dimensional non-linear push-over studies of LTF buildings can be undertaken to calculate seismic performance of irregular LTF buildings.

Research papers, University of Canterbury Library

Light timber framed (LTF) structures provide a cost-effective and structurally efficient solution for low-rise residential buildings. This paper studies seismic performance of single-storey LTF buildings sheathed by gypsum-plasterboards (GPBs) that are a typical lining product in New Zealand houses. Compared with wood-based structural panels, GPBs tend to be more susceptible to damage when they are used in bracing walls to resist earthquake loads. This study aims to provide insights on how the bracing wall irregularity allowed by the current New Zealand standard NZS 3604 and the in-plane rigidity of ceiling diaphragms affect the overall seismic performance of these GPB-braced LTF buildings. Nonlinear time-history analyses were conducted on a series of single-storey baseline buildings with different levels of bracing wall irregularities and ceiling diaphragm rigidity. The results showed significant torsional effect caused by the eccentric bracing wall layout with semi-rigid/rigid ceiling diaphragms. On average, bracing wall drift demand caused by the extreme bracing wall irregularities was three times of that in the regular bracing wall layout under the rigid diaphragm assumption. This finding agreed well with the house survey after the 2011 Canterbury Earthquake in which significantly more damage was observed in the houses with irregular bracing wall layouts and relatively rigid diaphragms. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the level of bracing wall eccentricity and ensure the sufficiently rigid diaphragms to avoid excessive damage in these LTF buildings in future events.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

The damaged TimeZone games arcade on Colombo Street. The roof has collapsed, batts from the ceiling are piled in the window, and the door is boarded up. Taken on a day when a walkway was opened up between Re:Start Mall and Cathedral Square to allow temporary public access.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

The damaged TimeZone games arcade on Colombo Street. The roof has collapsed, batts from the ceiling are piled in the window, and the door is boarded up. Taken on a day when a walkway was opened up between Re:Start Mall and Cathedral Square to allow temporary public access.

Audio, Radio New Zealand

As if the crumbling ceilings, broken sewage pipes and torn up roads weren't enough for the people of North Christchurch to deal with, now there's a new problem that may be caused by the September earthquake: Mosquitoes. Pines Beach and Kairaki residents say black clouds of mosquitoes are descending on them at dusk and dawn.

Videos, UC QuakeStudies

A video of an interview with stonemason Mark Whyte, about the demolition of the Holy Trinity Church in Avonside. Whyte discusses how the building should have been deconstructed slowly in order to salvage unique heritage material such as stained-glass windows and hand-painted ceilings.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

An interior view of the Cranmer Court building's octagonal corner section, which housed Plato Creative from March 2008 to November 2009. Although designed to house a book depot, the room was used as the principal's office while Christchurch Normal School was operating from the building. The photograph showcases its high windows and intricate wooden ceiling.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph showcasing the intricate wooden ceiling of the Cranmer Court building's octagonal corner section. Although designed to house a book depot, the room was used as the principal's office while Christchurch Normal School was operating from the building. This part of the building housed Plato Creative from March 2008 to November 2009.