
This presentation discusses recent empirical ground motion modelling efforts in New Zealand. Firstly, the active shallow crustal and subduction interface and slab ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs) which are employed in the 2010 update of the national seismic hazard model (NSHM) are discussed. Other NZ-specific GMPEs developed, but not incorporated in the 2010 update are then discussed, in particular, the active shallow crustal model of Bradley (2010). A brief comparison of the NZ-specific GMPEs with the near-source ground motions recorded in the Canterbury earthquakes is then presented, given that these recordings collectively provide a significant increase in observed strong motions in the NZ catalogue. The ground motion prediction expert elicitation process that was undertaken following the Canterbury earthquakes for active shallow crustal earthquakes is then discussed. Finally, ongoing GMPE-related activities are discussed including: ground motion and metadata database refinement, improved site characterization of strong motion station, and predictions for subduction zone earthquakes.
An image from a Army News March 2011 article titled, "Defence Medical Personnel Use Their Expertise". The image is captioned, "Warrant Officer Class One Tim Crowe with nursing officer Lieutenant Nicole Houlahan".
The cartoon shows stenciled text in black and white that reads 'GRIEF THE PRICE WE PAY FOR LOVE'. Context - The earliest stages of the rebuilding of Christchurch after the earthquakes of 4 September 2010 and 22 February 2011. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The cartoon depicts a little plant with two tiny leaves; text reads 'THE GARDEN CITY'. A second version includes the words 'Begins to grow again'. Context - The earliest stages of the rebuilding of Christchurch after the earthquakes of 4 September 2010 and 22 February 2011. Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).
The ultimate goal of this study is to develop a model representing the in-plane behaviour of plasterboard ceiling diaphragms, as part of the efforts towards performance-based seismic engineering of low-rise light timber-framed (LTF) residential buildings in New Zealand (NZ). LTF residential buildings in NZ are constructed according to a prescriptive standard – NZS 3604 Timberframed buildings [1]. With regards to seismic resisting systems, LTF buildings constructed to NZS3604 often have irregular bracing arrangements within a floor plane. A damage survey of LTF buildings after the Canterbury earthquake revealed that structural irregularity (irregular bracing arrangement within a plane) significantly exacerbated the earthquake damage to LTF buildings. When a building has irregular bracing arrangements, the building will have not only translational deflections but also a torsional response in earthquakes. How effectively the induced torsion can be resolved depends on the stiffness of the floors/roof diaphragms. Ceiling and floor diaphragms in LTF buildings in NZ have different construction details from the rest of the world and there appears to be no information available on timber diaphragms typical of NZ practice. This paper presents experimental studies undertaken on plasterboard ceiling diaphragms as typical of NZ residential practice. Based on the test results, a mathematical model simulating the in-plane stiffness of plasterboard ceiling diaphragms was developed, and the developed model has a similar format to that of plasterboard bracing wall elements presented in an accompany paper by Liu [2]. With these two models, three-dimensional non-linear push-over studies of LTF buildings can be undertaken to calculate seismic performance of irregular LTF buildings.
A member of the New Zealand Army chatting to a woman with her dog at a cordon checkpoint on Armagh Street.
Photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "Radio New Zealand House at 51 Chester Street West".
A video about the Reserve Force personnel assisting in Christchurch after the 22 February 2011. The Reserve Force helped Fulton Hogan clean up sections and streets in Avonside, as well as manning the cordons.
Photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "Radio New Zealand House at 51 Chester Street West".
A photograph of a line of army trucks parked on the side of a road in the Christchurch central city. A member of the New Zealand Army is tying a bundle of wood onto the roof of one of the trucks.
A photograph of members of the New Zealand Army demolishing a concrete block fence on a property in Christchurch.
A photograph of two members of the New Zealand Army securing a bundle of wood onto the roof of a truck.
An article from Army News, March 2011 titled, "Transport".
The cartoon shows the letters of the name 'Christchurch' as blocks of stone that have collapsed into a pile of rubble; on top is a single rose. Refers to the Christchurch earthquake of Saturday 4th September 2010. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The cartoon shows a family standing proudly in front of their tent which has 'No leaks!', is 'Earthquake-proof!', and 'Affordable!' An 'Optional extra' is an 'inflatable base for tsunami-prone areas'. Text below reads 'Not suitable for volcanic areas. Refers to the problems that have been experienced in the last couple of decades with leaky homes because of slack building codes (which have now been tightened), refers also to the Canterbury earthquake of 4th September with its aftermath of rebuilding for greater earthquake proofing and lastly refers to the problem of people being unable to afford houses. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Text at top left reads 'Daft things our forefathers did The cartoon shows several nineteenth century gentlemen observing 'volcanic cones', a 'swamp' and 'faultlines underneath' and deciding to build a city. Context - Specifically the Christchurch earthquakes of 4 September 2010 and 22 February 2011 but generally the way many New Zealand cities are built on or near volcanoes, faultlines and swamps. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The cartoon shows God sitting at his computer with an image of a devastated Christchurch on the screen. He is about to hit the 'smite' key. Text above reads 'God at his computer'. Context - Two more earthquakes rocked Christchurch on 13th June, following those of 4 September 2010 and 22 February 2011. The first magnitude 5.5 quake struck at 1pm, 10 kilometres east of Christchurch at Taylor's Mistake beach, at a depth of 11 kilometres, and sent people scrambling for cover. It was followed at 2.20pm by a more powerful magnitude 6 quake, centred 10 kilometres southeast of the city and 9km underground. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Text reads 'Cantabrians' spirit, two weeks on-' The cartoon shows the wrecked Christchurch Cathedral which is its true 'appearance' after the 19th February earthquake. Behind the devastation rises the ghost of the spire which is described as 'reality.' Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
A monster cook who represents 'Mother Nature' stirs several pots as storms swirl outside the window. She has a list of recipes that read 'earthquake entree, tornado twisties, blizzard Bolognese, volcanic mudcake, flood fondue, cyclone souffle'; she says 'Mmmm what shall I cook up next?' Context - the bad weather and the Christchurch earthquake that have afflicted the South Island recently. Published in The Sunday Star Times Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The arms of a woman who represents New Zealand reach out to a baby to whom she has just given birth. The baby represents '2011' and is a particularly hideous specimen. The doctor who holds the baby says 'He's cute now but wait 'til he gets older!' Outside the window is seen a cracked and damaged landscape and a storm rages; the headstone of a grave reads 'RIP 2010'. Context - Christchurch or maybe the South Island have had a bad year because of the Pike River Mine disaster and the earthquake of 4 September 2010. There is perhaps prescience in this cartoon because on 22 February 2011 a much worse earthquake hit Christchurch. Published in The Press Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The cartoon shows a tall candle representing 'rescuers' from which a flame of 'courage' burns. Below are broken stones creating the name 'Christchurch'. Context - The Christchurch earthquake 22 February 2011. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
As a man and a woman walk along the man comments that 'for 2 minutes yesterday people were joined as one in a spirit of caring and thoughtful reflection...' The woman, speaking about their personal life, wonders why they only ever manage 2 minutes of that. Context - at 12.51 pm on Tuesday 1 March 2011 (exactly a week after the catastrophic Christchurch earthquake of 22 February) all of New Zealand stopped for two minutes of silent contemplation. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
The cartoon shows a room full of dying electronic gadgets like television, sound systems, a digital phone, a computer etc. and a wood burning stove, a candle, an analogue phone and a barbecue that are old technology and so very useful after the Christchurch earthquake of 22 February 2011. The barbecue says 'How can we retire? These youngsters can't cut it!' Published in The Press Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Dr Dolly observes the devastation of Christchurch on television and falls into a philosophical reverie about the unfairness of fate. Context - The Christchurch earthquake 22 February 2011. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
In the top two frames several farm animals whip round in fright and then take to their heels in mad flight. In the lower frame a duck says 'No you dummies - I said Quack quack'. Context - The Christchurch earthquake of 22 February 2011 and the many aftershocks that have kept nerves on edge. Colour and black and white versions available Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).
Text reads 'AFTERSHOCK$$$$$$$$$$$ $2 billion $4 billion'. Refers to the estimated costs resulting from the Canterbury earthquake of 4th September 2010 - The '2' is crossed out and the 'Treasury' pen writes '4' in its place. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
A man has climbed an active volcano and pitched a tent in order to get away from the Canterbury earthquake and the flooding in the lower North Island. Refers to the Christchurch earthquake of 4th September 2010 as well as the heavy rain, slips, and flooding from Whanganui in the centre of the North Island down to the Rimutaka Hill Road, North of Wellington. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
An arm representing the 'Citizens & Volunteers of Christchurch' offers an Oscar Award for 'True Grit'. Context - Admiration at the way the people and the volunteers have managed after the Christchurch earthquake of 22 February 2011. True Grit is a 2010 American Western film written and directed by the Coen brothers. It is the second adaptation of Charles Portis' 1968 novel of the same name, which was previously adapted for film in 1969 starring John Wayne. Colour and black and white versions of this cartoon are available Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).
Debbie says brightly that Christchurch has 'demonstrated the classic Kiwi quality of stoicism and behaving decently towards each other!' Jaimee replies that it's the same stoicism that means we complain a lot about our problems but never really do anything and Debbie tells her that applies just to her. Refers to the Christchurch earthquake of 4th September. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Santa Claus climbs out of a toilet saying 'cross this one off the list!' Text above reads 'With all the broken chimneys, Santa must be practising new access points for the big night' Context; the damage to many houses as a result of the Christchurch earthquake of 4th October 2010. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).