An overview of the 22 February 2011 Christchurch earthquake is presented in the context of characterization of extreme/rare events. Focus is given to the earthquake source, observed near-source strong ground motions, and effects of site response, while structural response and consequences are mentioned for completeness. For each of the above topics comparisons and discussions are made with predictive models for each of phenomena considered. In light of the observations and predictive model comparisons, the author’s opinion on improving the characterization of such extreme/rare events, and their appropriate consideration in seismic design is presented
Cracks along a gravel path in the Botanic Gardens.
Cracks along a gravel path in the Botanic Gardens.
Photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "Orari Street, Bexley. Changes to the water level have taken place in this property".
A view of the badly-damaged Arts Centre from Hereford Street. The gables of the building have been secured with wooden bracing and a pile of brickwork lies on the street below. Wire fencing has been placed around the building as a cordon.
Bricks and salvaged building materials stacked on wooden pallets outside the Arts Centre on Hereford Street.
The badly-damaged Arts Centre, viewed from Rolleston Avenue. The turret has been removed from the building and secured to a platform on the footpath. Wire fencing has been placed around the building as a cordon and there are many road cones directing traffic.
A view of the badly-damaged Arts Centre from Hereford Street. The gables of the building have been secured with wooden bracing and a pile of brickwork lies on the street below. Wire fencing has been placed around the building as a cordon.
Photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "The arcade at the Arts Centre with the Chinese lanterns from Chinese New Year still hanging in the tree".
Photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "The arcade at the Arts Centre with the Chinese lanterns from Chinese New Year fallen from the tree above".
Photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "Rydges Hotel, Oxford Terrace".
Bricks and salvaged building materials stacked on wooden pallets outside the Arts Centre on Hereford Street.
Revealed after the SoulFood Cafe building was demolished
Compare this Jan 2011 shot with one taken earlier.
Photo taken Jan 2011 - the cracks in the front of the building get a little bigger with each aftershock.
Still standing in Jan 2011 - but the buildings future is unknown - It is probably destined to be demolished.
Revealed after the SoulFood Cafe building was demolished - Haircutting for 6d and a shave for thruppence? how old is this?
Revealed after the SoulFood Cafe building was demolished
The junction was finally opened to cross traffic just before Christmas.
The Greek Souvlaki place was closed for several months while the building next door got demolished.
Same view as a previous shot - taken in January 2011 after the block of buildings was demolished.
The window that was hanging precariously finally fell when the Boxing Day 4.9 shock hit at 10.30am
Photo taken Jan 2011.
Another hole has appeared in the street where a building has been demolished. Selwyn Dealers next door sensibly moved all their stock away from the adjoining wall just in case.
The entrance to 'Camp Hollywood', the American Civil Defence Force headquarters in Latimer Square. After the 22 February 2011 earthquake, emergency service agencies set up their headquarters in Latimer Square. The entrance way has a wooden sign reading, "Camp Hollywood" and a series of maps of Christchurch and New Zealand.
The Taiwanese Search and Rescue team (USAR) being farewelled at the Christchurch International Airport after helping out with the emergency response to the Canterbury Earthquake. In the centre is Rob Saunders from the New Zealand Fire Department, and on the right is Kao Wei, Team Leader of the Taiwan USAR team.
The Taiwanese Search and Rescue team being farewelled at the Christchurch International Airport after helping out with the emergency response to the Canterbury Earthquake. To the left is Rob Saunders from the New Zealand Fire Department, centre, Kao Wei Liang, Team Leader of the Taiwan USAR team, and right, the Taiwanese ambassador.
A powhiri performed by Ngai Tahu elders to welcome workers of the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT). Mayor Bob Parker is standing to the right. Reverend Peter Beck and Earthquake Minister Gerry Brownlee are also present. The ceremony was held in Burwood Park.
A special trauma team has been brought into Christchurch to try to stop a panic exodus of refugees living in the city. Among the 70-thousand people who have fled Christchurch in the last week are refugees who are afraid that another big earthquake will hit. The team is also working with new immigrants, many of whom are victims of war and torture. Dr Arif Saeid is with the organisation Refugees As Survivors.
A plaque for an artwork on the corner of High Street and Tuam Street reads "'Corgis on High'. A Christchurch City Council Public Artwork. Artist David Marshall. Proudly Sponsored by Central City Revitalisation Project, Christchurch City Council, Lion Foundation, McKenzie and Willis Ltd. Supported by South Island Welsh Corgi League. 6 December 2003." The photographer comments, "The corgis have been removed. Temporarily??".