After a high-intensity seismic event, inspections of structural damages need to be carried out as soon as possible in order to optimize the emergency management, as well as improving the recovery time. In the current practice, damage inspections are performed by an experienced engineer, who physically inspect the structures. This way of doing not only requires a significant amount of time and high skilled human resources, but also raises the concern about the inspector’s safety. A promising alternative is represented using new technologies, such as drones and artificial intelligence, which can perform part of the damage classification task. In fact, drones can safely access high hazard components of the structures: for instance, bridge piers or abutments, and perform the reconnaissance by using highresolution cameras. Furthermore, images can be automatically processed by machine learning algorithms, and damages detected. In this paper, the possibility of applying such technologies for inspecting New Zealand bridges is explored. Firstly, a machine-learning model for damage detection by performing image analysis is presented. Specifically, the algorithm was trained to recognize cracks in concrete members. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to evaluate the algorithm accuracy by using database images. Depending on the confidence level desired,i.e. by allowing a manual classification where the alghortim confidence is below a specific tolerance, the accuracy was found reaching up to 84.7%. In the second part, the model is applied to detect the damage observed on the Anzac Bridge (GPS coordinates -43.500865, 172.701138) in Christchurch by performing a drone reconnaissance. Reults show that the accuracy of the damage detection was equal to 88% and 63% for cracking and spalling, respectively.
Disasters are rare events with major consequences; yet comparatively little is known about managing employee needs in disaster situations. Based on case studies of four organisations following the devastating earthquakes of 2010 - 2011 in Christchurch, New Zealand, this paper presents a framework using redefined notions of employee needs and expectations, and charting the ways in which these influence organisational recovery and performance. Analysis of in-depth interview data from 47 respondents in four organisations highlighted the evolving nature of employee needs and the crucial role of middle management leadership in mitigating the effects of disasters. The findings have counterintuitive implications for human resource functions in a disaster, suggesting that organisational justice forms a central framework for managing organisational responses to support and engage employees for promoting business recovery.
University of Canterbury staff members are escorted by Civil Defence members in order to retrieve essential items from their offices. The photographer comments, "E-learning team collect their stuff".
A video of Si and Gary (Simon Barnett and Gary McCormick) from MORE FM promoting the Five Ways to Wellbeing. In this video they talk about the importance of continuing to learn, and suggest ways to keep learning. The closing frames read, "Tried something a little different lately? Having a go at something new builds confidence and a healthy mind. For more tips on what makes us feel good, visit allright.org.nz."
Mindful Mover was born after the Christchurch earthquake, the anxiety and stress caused by the continuous rattling. From there it's grown to help young people dealing with bullying, troubles at home, and learning difficulties.
University of Canterbury staff members are escorted by Civil Defence members in order to retrieve essential items from their offices. The photographer comments, "E-learning team vacate their floor. (Blurry, sorry.)
A member of the University of Canterbury's E-Learning team, Jessica Hollis, in their new office in the James Hight building. The photographer comments, " Jess Hollis settles in to her new workspace".
After the magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Canterbury on 4 September 2010, most media reports claimed that no lives had been lost. But In fact, this first earthquake killed at least 3000 chickens, eight cows, one dog, a lemur and 150 aquarium fish. University of Canterbury associate professor Annie Potts, along with co-author Donelle Gadenne, wrote Animals in Emergencies: Learning from the Christchurch Earthquakes, revealing what happened to the animals during and after the series of quakes. Annie Potts will give a public lecture, 'Animals and natural disasters: Learning from recent earthquakes', on Thursday 16 March, 7pm at UC Ilam campus, Christchurch. Register to attend free at: www.canterbury.ac.nz/ucconnect
A video of an address by Dr. Duncan Webb, Partner of Lane Neave, at the 2015 Seismics and the City forum. This talk is about learning from complex claims and local knowledge.
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "The Johnson family of Avonside Drive. From top: Gary, Lisa, Danielle (6) and Blake (4) are thrilled after learning ANZ will cover the full value of their house".
Most of Christchurch's earthquake damaged red zones are now almost clear of homes, but just over a hundred homeowners are now learning what life will be like once everyone else has gone.
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "The Johnson family of Avonside Drive. From top: Gary, Lisa, Danielle (6) and Blake (4) are thrilled after learning ANZ will cover the full value of their house".
A video of an address by Keith Land, Head of Canterbury Land Settlement, EQC, at the 2015 Seismics and the City forum. This talk is about learning from complex claims and local knowledge.
People often ask what we’re learning as a result of all this post-earthquake archaeology. Quite a lot, as this blog reveals. But, to date, the blog has focused on the individual sites and/or stories – there’s not been much of … Continue reading →
University of Canterbury staff members prepare to be escorted to their buildings by Civil Defence members in order to retrieve essential items from their offices. The photographer comments, "Susan Tull (E-learning), Leigh Davidson (MBA administrator), Bob Reed (Economics)".
A model of the ChristChurch Transitional Cathedral made predominantly out of laser cut and engraved coloured acrylic as well as timber dowels to represent the cardboard tubes.
A video of an address by Geoff Cavell, Managing Director of Winnie Bagoes Holding Ltd, at the 2015 Seismics and the City forum. This talk is about learning from complex claims and local knowledge.
Members of the University of Canterbury's Digital Media Group in their temporary office in KB02 in Kirkwood Village, the complex of prefabs set up after the earthquakes to provide temporary office and classroom space for the university. The photographer comments, "The e-learning group and the video conferencing team are now located in the Kirkwood Village at the University of Canterbury. It's a very impressive project, about 60 buildings arranged in various configurations with some used for teaching or computer labs, and others as staff offices. We will probably stay here for several years now. Looking back along the centre area from the doors. The e-learning advisers and Herbert Thomas, our team leader, sit along the south wall".
A video of an address by Peter Rose, Chief Executive of Southern Response Earthquake Services Limited, at the 2015 Seismics and the City forum. This talk is about learning from complex claims and local knowledge.
A video of a presentation by Dr Rob Buxton of GNS Science on "Modelling interdependencies of critical infrastructure". The presentation was delivered at the learning forum on Interdependencies of Lifeline Systems as part of the University of Canterbury's Lifeline Week.
University of Canterbury students outside one of the tents used while lecture theatres were closed for structural testing. The photographer comments, "The University restarts its teaching, and the techies in e-learning move out of NZi3. Students leave a lecture tent".
One black Phillips brand bicycle with a large basket on the front, and a sign reading ‘Johnson's’ hanging from the frame. The front wheel is smaller than the back wheel.
An image designed for use as a sticker for the All Right? Winter Survival Kit. The image reads, "Get your free Winter Survival Kit today! What makes you feel All Right in Winter? Learning a new hobby".
A video of a keynote presentation by Dr Laurie Johnson, Project Scientist at the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Centre, at the 2016 Seismics in the City Conference. The presentation is titled, "The Trajectory of Post-disaster Recovery and Regeneration: Learning from other cities".The abstract for the presentation reads, "What does regeneration look like and how long does it take? A look at what we can learn about regeneration from other cities that have experienced disasters. An exploration of the innovation needed to fulfil the recovery vision, as well as the value of collaboration in the next five years."
A video of a presentation by Indranil Kongar of University College London on "Lifeline systems interdependencies: the insurance perspective". The presentation was delivered at the learning forum on Interdependencies of Lifeline Systems as part of the University of Canterbury's Lifeline Week.
University of Canterbury students attend a lecture in a tent while lecture theatres were closed for structural testing. The photographer comments, "The University restarts its teaching, and the techies in e-learning move out of NZi3. Lectures in progress in UC's tent village".
A damaged wooden footbridge across the Avon River beside University Drive is blocked off with sheets of plywood and danger signs. The photographer comments, "The University restarts its teaching, and the techies in e-learning move out of NZi3. The bridge to the Rec Centre".
Paul Nicholls from the University of Canterbury's E-Learning team and Digital Media Group Manager Wayne Riggall in their temporary office in KB02 in Kirkwood Village, the complex of prefabs set up after the earthquakes to provide temporary office and classroom space for the university. The photographer comments, "The e-learning group and the video conferencing team are now located in the Kirkwood Village at the University of Canterbury. It's a very impressive project, about 60 buildings arranged in various configurations with some used for teaching or computer labs, and others as staff offices. We will probably stay here for several years now. Adjoining our area is a space for Wayne, the Digital Media Group Manager, who will organise a sitting area for visitors and small meetings. Beyond Wayne is a closed-off meeting room".
Paul Nicholls, a member of the University of Canterbury's E-Learning team, in their temporary office in KB02 in Kirkwood Village, the complex of prefabs set up after the earthquakes to provide temporary office and classroom space for the university. The photographer comments, "The e-learning group and the video conferencing team are now located in the Kirkwood Village at the University of Canterbury. It's a very impressive project, about 60 buildings arranged in various configurations with some used for teaching or computer labs, and others as staff offices. We will probably stay here for several years now. Closer view of our corner of the building. We will have some cubicle partitions soon, but I don't know how we'll configure the space then. It's quite nice being so open, but it may be too noisy".
Paul Nicholls, a member of the University of Canterbury's E-Learning team, in their temporary office in KB02 in Kirkwood Village, the complex of prefabs set up after the earthquakes to provide temporary office and classroom space for the university. The photographer comments, "The e-learning group and the video conferencing team are now located in the Kirkwood Village at the University of Canterbury. It's a very impressive project, about 60 buildings arranged in various configurations with some used for teaching or computer labs, and others as staff offices. We will probably stay here for several years now. Our "techy corner", with Paul waiting for the desk-assembler to come back and put his desk together. My desk is in the corner, and Jess is on the right of the window".