Earthquake-triggered soil liquefaction caused extensive damage and heavy economic losses in Christchurch during the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquakes. The most severe manifestations of liquefaction were associated with the presence of natural deposits of clean sands and silty sands of fluvial origin. However, liquefaction resistance of fines-containing sands is commonly inferred from empirical relationships based on clean sands (i.e. sands with less than 5% fines). Hence, existing evaluation methods have poor accuracy when applied to silty sands. The liquefaction behaviour of Christchurch fines-containing (silty) sands is investigated through a series of Direct Simple Shear (DSS) tests. This type of test better resembles earthquake loading conditions in soil deposits compared to cyclic triaxial tests. Soil specimens are reconstituted in the laboratory with the water sedimentation technique. This preparation method yields soil fabrics similar to those encountered in fluvial soil deposits, which are common in the Christchurch area. Test results provide preliminary indications on how void ratio, relative density, preparation method and fines content influence the cyclic liquefaction behaviour of sand-silt mixtures depending on the properties of host sand and silt.
Case study unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings that were seismically retrofitted prior to the 2010/11 Canterbury earthquake sequence and exhibited successful performance during these earthquakes are presented herein. Selected buildings were divided into the following categories based on size and complexity: (1) simple, single storey box type buildings (i.e. electrical substations), (2) common and simple commercial buildings, and (3) large and complex clay brick and stone URM buildings. The retrofitted case study URM buildings were evaluated based on overall structural seismic performance as well as the categories of initial seismic design, heritage preservation, architectural appeal, and cost. Detailed observations of 4 representative case study buildings and a summary of findings are reported herein. http://db.nzsee.org.nz/2017/Orals.htm
A photograph of members of the Dog Section of the New Zealand Police at the site of an earthquake-damaged building in central Christchurch.
A photograph of the earthquake damage to a house in Christchurch. The house has fallen off its foundations and is on a severe lean.
Members of the New Zealand Defence Force saluting during the singing of the National Anthem at the Christchurch Earthquake Memorial Service in Hagley Park.
A member of the Navy talking to a police officer during an operational tour of Lyttelton to view the aftermath of the Christchurch Earthquake.
A variation to the consent granted by the Christchurch City Council, providing consent to carry out earthquake repair work that may affect protected vegetation.
A photograph of emergency management personnel walking through Latimer Square. In the background, portaloos, supplies, and tents have been set up for the emergency management teams working in Christchurch after the 22 February 2011 earthquake.
Members of the New Zealand Fire Service and USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) shaking hands outside the Christchurch City Fire Station on Kilmore Street. DART travelled to Christchurch after the 22 February 2011 earthquake to help out in the relief efforts.
A PDF copy of The Star newspaper, published on Wednesday 12 October 2011.
A PDF copy of The Star newspaper, published on Friday 14 October 2011.
A PDF copy of The Star newspaper, published on Wednesday 4 July 2012.
A PDF copy of The Star newspaper, published on Wednesday 27 March 2013.
A PDF copy of The Star newspaper, published on Friday 21 September 2012.
Photos taken in Lyttelton showing the demolition at various locations following the February 22 earthquake. File reference: CCL-2011-05-20-Lyttelton-Demolition-P1120473 From the collection of Christchurch City Libraries.
Photos taken in Lyttelton showing the demolition at various locations following the February 22 earthquake. File reference: CCL-2011-05-20-Lyttelton-Demolition-P1120445 From the collection of Christchurch City Libraries.
Photos taken in Lyttelton showing the demolition of various buildings following the February 22 earthquake. File reference: CCL-2011-05-20-Lyttelton-Demolition-P1120456 From the collection of Christchurch City Libraries.
Photos taken in Lyttelton showing the demolition of various buildings following the February 22 earthquake. File reference: CCL-2011-05-20-Lyttelton-Demolition-P1120446 From the collection of Christchurch City Libraries.
Photos taken in Lyttelton showing the demolition of various buildings following the February 22 earthquake. File reference: CCL-2011-05-20-Lyttelton-Demolition-P1120472 From the collection of Christchurch City Libraries.
A photograph of the earthquake-damaged Observatory tower at the Christchurch Arts Centre. The photograph was taken using a cellphone camera. The top of the tower collapsed during the 22 February 2011 earthquake. The rubble from the tower has been cleared and a tarpaulin has been placed over the top of the broken tower. Tyres have been placed on the tarpaulin to hold it down. A temporary roof has also been constructed over the tower to keep out the rain.
A photograph of pieces of broken china laid on a mosaic design.Crack'd for Christchurch comments, "Marie begins the very first flower. It is so difficult and time consuming that we are all in despair. Will this take forever? No-one is getting paid and we all have jobs and lives in some chaos thanks to the earthquakes."
A photograph of a car parked off Montreal Street which has been crushed by bricks falling from an earthquake-damaged building.
A photograph of a car parked off Montreal Street which has been crushed by bricks falling from an earthquake-damaged building.
A blog post written by Thérèse Angelo, Director of the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. This is the third guest post in the NZ Museums blog series marking the first anniversary of the Christchurch earthquake. This blog post was downloaded on 4 February 2015.
Friday 22 February 2013. Official Supported Site for River of Flowers: Horseshoe Lake Riverbank on Lake Terrace Road, opposite the bus stop between Oregon and Tangmere Places Hosted by: Burwood Primary School and Community. File reference: CCL-2013-02-22-River-of-FlowersDSC_03401.JPG From the collection of Christchurch City Libraries. ...
Emergency Management personnel outside the Christchurch Art Gallery. The Art Gallery was used as the headquarters for Civil Defence after the 22 February 2011 earthquake. In the background, the east end of the Arts Centre can be seen.
Mitchell Brown from the USAR National Management Team farewelling the Taiwanese Search and Rescue Team at the Christchurch International Airport. The team is heading home after helping with the emergency response to the Canterbury Earthquake.
Rob Saunders from the New Zealand Fire Department farewelling the Taiwanese Search and Rescue Team at the Christchurch International Airport. The team is heading home after helping with the emergency response to the Canterbury Earthquake.
Mitchell Brown from the USAR National Management Team farewelling the Taiwanese Search and Rescue Team at the Christchurch International Airport. The team is heading home after helping with the emergency response to the Canterbury Earthquake.
A PDF copy of The Star newspaper, published on Friday 3 August 2012.