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Photograph by Jocelyn Kinghorn 353

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A concrete-block fence has been spray painted after the building was cleared by a USAR team. This system was used following the February earthquake to mark buildings that have been checked.

Photograph by Jocelyn Kinghorn 354

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A concrete-block fence has been spray painted after the building was cleared by a USAR team. This system was used following the February earthquake to mark buildings that have been checked.

Geotechnical reconnaissance of the 2010 Darfield (New Zealand) earthquake

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 occurred to unreinforced masonry buildings throughout the region during the mainshock and subsequent large aftershocks. Particularly 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. 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, a geotechnical reconnaissance was conducted over a period of six days (10–15 September 2010) by a team of geotechnical/earthquake engineers and geologists from New Zealand and USA (GEER team: Geo-engineering Extreme Event Reconnaissance). JGS (Japanese Geotechnical Society) members from Japan also participated in the reconnaissance team from 13 to 15 September 2010. The NZ, GEER and JGS members worked as one team and shared resources, information and logistics in order to conduct thorough and most efficient reconnaissance covering a large area over a very limited time period. This report summarises the key evidence and findings from the reconnaissance.

Playing Favourites with Peter Marshall

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Peter Marshall is managing director of architectural firm Warren and Mahoney, part of the team selected to carry out the task of the redesign of Christchurch after the earthquakes. (This version of the audio does not include music)

Photograph by Jocelyn Kinghorn 299

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Detail of spray painted codes on a gate outside a house, left after it had been cleared by a USAR team. This system was used following the February earthquake to mark buildings that have been checked.

2022 – Turns out it can get worse.

Articles, Christchurch uncovered

With the dawn of a new year (yes, we know it’s already April May June July, no we are not accepting constructive criticism at this time) the Under Over team has hit the ground running. The dream of a leisurely … Continue reading →

Picture perfect – a gallery of archaeologist’s art

Articles, Christchurch uncovered

Today we would like to take you through some art work created by our team over the years. But this isn’t for your local charity art auction – these images illustrate the archaeological process we undertake on a daily basis. … Continue reading →

Diabetes Centre Photograph 039

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of a member of the Diabetes Centre team working in an office in the Diabetes Centre on Hagley Avenue. Bits of broken wood are lying on the floor in front of the desk.

Photograph by Jocelyn Kinghorn 256

Images, UC QuakeStudies

The entrance to the CMS House on Victoria Street has been spray painted after it was cleared by a USAR team. This system was used following the February earthquake to mark buildings that have been checked.

Photograph by Jocelyn Kinghorn 246

Images, UC QuakeStudies

The window of Kum Pun Thai Restaurant on Victoria Street has been spray painted after it was cleared by a USAR team. This system was used following the February earthquake to mark buildings that have been checked.

Photograph by Jocelyn Kinghorn 292

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A man stands next to a garage spray painted with codes left after the property was cleared by a USAR team. This system was used following the February earthquake to mark buildings that have been checked.

Photograph by Jocelyn Kinghorn 361

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A brick fence has been spray painted after the building was cleared by a USAR team. This system was used following the February earthquake to mark buildings that have been checked. Seen through the cordon fence.

Diabetes Centre Photograph 115

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of a member of the Diabetes Centre team sitting in an office. A section of the panelling has been removed from the wall in the background, exposing the insulation underneath.