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This paper describes pounding damage sustained by buildings and bridges in the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Approximately 6% of buildings in Christchurch CBD were observed to have suffered some form of serious pounding damage. Almost all of this pounding damage occurred in masonry buildings, further highlighting their vulnerability to this phenomenon. Modern buildings were found to be vulnerable to pounding damage where overly stiff and strong ‘flashing’ components were installed in existing building separations. Soil variability is identified as a key aspect that amplifies the relative movement of buildings, and hence increases the likelihood of pounding damage. Pounding damage in bridges was found to be relatively minor and infrequent in the Christchurch earthquake.

Damaged Regent Theatre dome

Images, UC QuakeStudies

The Regent Theatre with its broken dome still attached, with half of the facade of the dome fallen away.

Copthorne Hotel's damaged door

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Colour photograph of a boarded-up door to the Copthorne Hotel and obvious damage to the strucuture. The red sticker is visible.

Damage to Cashel Mall

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Damage to Cashel Mall, seen through the arch of the Bridge of Remembrance.

Damage to Chancery Lane

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Security fencing surrounding the entrance to Chancery Lane.

Damaged house, Canterbury Street

Images, eqnz.chch.2010

Photos taken in Lyttelton following the February 22 earthquake. File ref: CCL-2011-03-05-After-The-Earthquake-P1110551 From the collection of Christchurch City Libraries

Earthquake damage - Avon River

Images, eqnz.chch.2010

Aftermath of September 4th Earthquake in Canterbury (area covers Christchurch City), NZ. Cracks alongside Avon river.

Earthquake damage - gas station

Images, eqnz.chch.2010

Aftermath of September 4th Earthquake in Canterbury (area covers Christchurch City) NZ. Empty fuel tanks lifted out of forecourt at petrol station on Pages Road.

Earthquake damage - gas station

Images, eqnz.chch.2010

Aftermath of September 4th Canterbury Earthquake in NZ. Petrol station on Pages Road, Bexley, Christchurch.

OTBC - typical plaster damage

Images, eqnz.chch.2010

Oxford Terrace Baptist Church on the corner of Madras St and Oxford Terrace, and alongside the Central City Fire Station on Kilmore St.

Earthquake damage in Christchurch

Images, eqnz.chch.2010

A common scene around Christchurch, following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that hit the city on Saturday September 4, 2010 at around 4:33am. The shake left many roads cracked, buildings demolished, and flooding in the streets.