Demand for Structural Engineers increases as aftershocks continue in Canterbury

Christchurch has experienced nearly 300 aftershocks in the wake of the 7.1 magnitude earthquake on Saturday prompting the need for a large contingent of Structural Engineers to assess infrastructure including buildings, roads, bridges and port facilities around the region.

The response from infrastructure consultancy, Opus International Consultants has involved all of their 170 Christchurch-based staff, with additional specialist support being sent to Christchurch from their other regional offices. Opus has the largest team of structural engineers in the country on the ground in Christchurch with more specialists on standby in Australia and Britain. Engineers have been working to assess the damage of assets in the areas of telecommunications, energy, education, corrections, justice, banking, transportation and housing.

“The response from our people, many of them who are part of the affected community, has been tremendous,” said Glen Hughes, Southern Regional Manager for Opus. “A number of Opus staff have been seconded to provide assistance to Civil Defence and we are working closely with Christchurch City Council, Port of Lyttleton, local authorities and businesses to assess damage and provide support where it is required. This has included the inspection and notification of buildings to determine their safety, the inspection of highways and the roading network, and assessment of road and rail bridges in and around the city.”

Immediately after the initial earthquake, Opus Senior Civil and Structural Engineer Anthony Rooke carried out an assessment of the northern motorway bridges. He reports that all of the bridges were found to be structurally intact and had withstood the impact very well due to the integrity of their design.

“Some damage was sustained to the bridges and their approaches, however, this was comparatively minor. Access along the northern motorway, while subject to speed restrictions in places, was not significantly affected. We are now reporting back to NZTA and the City Council on the state of all highways and the roading network.”

Noel Evans, from the company’s Napier office, is part of a team of specialists working with Civil Defence to coordinate structural assessment reports. Mr Evans, a Senior Structural Engineer, has a wealth of experience in earthquakes and the damage they can cause, and was a member of a team that recently participated in a tour of Chile organised by the New Zealand Government and Society for Earthquake Engineering after the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the country in February 2010.

“Comparisons can be made with the earthquake in Chile,” says Mr Evans. “In both cases, the majority of well designed modern structures survived the earthquake comparatively well. However, a number of modern buildings experienced significant non-structural damage which delayed their reoccupation. Also of significance was the similar damage to non-reinforced brick structures in both countries.

“On a positive note, this country’s highly developed building codes and investment in seismic strengthening has largely paid off. The challenge now is to re-build and future-proof essential infrastructure to enable people to return to some sense of normality.”

Glen Hughes says they are working extended hours as necessary assisting with inspections during this emergency phase. “All our people are dedicated to helping where they can and bringing their professional expertise to assist the authorities and people of Christchurch.”

ENDS

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