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Research papers, University of Canterbury Library

On 4 September 2010, a magnitude Mw 7.1 earthquake struck the Canterbury region on the South Island of New Zealand. The epicentre of the earthquake was located in the Darfield area about 40 km west of the city of Christchurch. Extensive damage was inflicted to lifelines and residential houses due to widespread liquefaction and lateral spreading in areas close to major streams, rivers and wetlands throughout Christchurch and Kaiapoi. Unreinforced masonry buildings also suffered extensive damage throughout the region. Despite the severe damage to infrastructure and residential houses, fortunately, no deaths occurred and only two injuries were reported in this earthquake. From an engineering viewpoint, one may argue that the most significant aspects of the 2010 Darfield Earthquake were geotechnical in nature, with liquefaction and lateral spreading being the principal culprits for the inflicted damage. Following the earthquake, an intensive geotechnical reconnaissance was conducted to capture evidence and perishable data from this event. This paper summarizes the observations and preliminary findings from this early reconnaissance work.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A digitally manipulated image of liquefaction around a house in Avondale. The photographer comments, "The bottom of the gates were swallowed up by liquefaction, but the house still looked in good condition, which was confirmed by builders just going in to work on the property. It is in the Christchurch red zone, which after testing has been deemed unsuitable for houses to be built on. All the land will be bought by the Government and they would also buy any properties that could be repaired. The remaining insured property owners will get a payment from the insurance company. All the buildings are condemned to be knocked down".

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Workers survey a street in Avonside where there are large cracks, piles of liquefaction dug up from people's houses, fenced off portions of the street and an army vehicle parked, after the September 4th earthquake.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Cracks in the road and liquefaction at the intersection of Rich and Hilton Streets in Kaiapoi. Some of the liqufaction has been dug out of properties and placed in piles on the side of the road.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Damage to New Brighton Road. The photographer comments, "Would you believe that the up and down dirt track on the right is actually a main road?".

Images, UC QuakeStudies

The road, driveway and footpath are covered in silt from liquefaction on Papanui Road. In the background is the Christchurch Chinese Methodist Church, which has had its spire removed so restoration work can be carried out.