Preliminary observations of the Darfield (Canterbury) earthquake

University of Canterbury buildings

Abstract

The University of Canterbury campus on the west side of Christchurch has a range of building types built since the late 1950s. The building stock is predominantly 3-12 storey concrete construction. About one third of campus buildings had some secondary and non-structural damage during the earthquake, while about three quarters had contents damaged; filing cabinets overturned, books off shelves, shelves overturned, fallen lab equipment, broken glassware. The secondary structural damage was primarily to stairs, finishes at seismic joints, ceilings and elevators. This paper outlines the impacts the earthquake had on the campus buildings, in terms of structural, secondary structural and contents damage. It also outlines the post-earthquake recovery process and downtime.