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This paper describes the pounding damage sustained by buildings in the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Approximately 6% of buildings in Christchurch CBD were observed to have suffered some form of serious pounding damage. Typical and exceptional examples of building pounding damage are presented and discussed. Almost all building pounding damage occurred in unreinforced masonry buildings, 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. Building pounding damage is compared to the predicted critical pounding weaknesses that have been identified in previous analytical research.
This paper describes the pounding damage sustained by buildings in the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Approximately 6% of buildings in Christchurch CBD were observed to have suffered some form of serious pounding damage. Typical and exceptional examples of building pounding damage are presented and discussed. Almost all building pounding damage occurred in unreinforced masonry buildings, 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. Building pounding damage is compared to the predicted critical pounding weaknesses that have been identified in previous analytical research.
A digitally manipulated image of a damaged fence. Concrete blocks have fallen from the wall leaving a large gap, through which autumn leaves are visible.
Damage to residential properties. In the background is a damaged brick property.
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 24 September 2012 entitled, "'Bandoned Books?".
A photograph of a damaged house has been reflected in the lower part of the image and digitally manipulated.
Damage to the front of Christ Church Cathedral. The tower has been damaged and bracing has been placed on the front wall (right) to limit further damage. A walkway from Gloucester Street to the Square was opened up for a few days to allow the public a closer look.
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 1 June 2012 entitled, "Royal Rubble".
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 3 July 2012 entitled, "Glimpses on Gloucester".
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 23 April 2012 entitled, "Roast @ Riccarton".
An entry from Roz Johnson's blog for 22 February 2012 entitled, "A Cottage Garden".
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 24 May 2012 entitled, "Peculiar Pipes".
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 20 May 2012 entitled, "Cloven Clocktower".
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 5 August 2012 entitled, "Immense Implosion".
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 3 January 2012 entitled, "Routine Rambling".
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 5 January 2012 entitled, "Sunny Seaside".
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 26 December 2012 entitled, "Wet Weather".
An entry from Roz Johnson's blog for 24 February 2012 entitled, "My Street A year On".
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 27 August 2012 entitled, "Sunday Strolling".
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 9 February 2012 entitled, "Route Resurrected".
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 24 March 2012 entitled, "Seismic Squeaks".
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 23 March 2012 entitled, "Seeing Red".
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 30 December 2012 entitled, "Swimming at Sumner".
A digitally manipulated image of three arched windows in a damaged stone building.
Damage to fences in the CBD. A couple of road cones have been put in front to keep the public away from the damaged fence.
After the September, 1888 earthquake centred in Hanmer caused extensive damage to the Christchurch cathedral, the government geologist, Alexander McKay was sent out to review the land damage. This …
Damaged seating in the QEII stadium. The photographer comments, "This is the QEII stadium in Christchurch. During the 22 February earthquake the stadium was severely damaged and looks like it will be demolished. Anyone in Bay 3 would have no need of the toilet after this happened".
The destruction of the Radio Network building in Christchurch has prompted hopes that explosive demolition could be used to bring down other earthquake-damaged buildings.
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 2 June 2012 entitled, "Waste Water Waiting".