Seismic Strengthening
Whakapakari Rūaumoko
Since the start, we’ve had the ability to undertake seismic strengthening projects with the aim of enhancing existing structures to better resist earthquakes.
Our specialist expertise has continued to evolve to ensure our work increases stability, improves safety, maintains functionality, and reduces economic losses.
Our expertise
High-rise apartment buildings and offices
We pride ourselves at being the specialists in the area of seismic strengthening of buildings.
Seismic strengthening of older buildings can involve additional variables and uncertainty, some of which you only discover once you start the work.
On some projects, the apartment buildings are vacant and the internal fit has been stripped out before we start work.
On other jobs, the steel frames need to be installed around the internal fit, with care taken to minimise damage as we work.
We have also successfully completed multiple seismic strengthening projects on apartment buildings that are already occupied, fitting in and working around tenants as needed.
Access can pose an issue on seismic strengthening projects. With lots of doors and corridors, some lateral thinking is needed around how to get the frames into the building and in the design of the frames themselves to make installation easier. This is one of the areas where using a fabricator/installer with experience makes all the difference.
Our expertise
Naenae Aquatic Centre
Commercial & Industrial Buildings
We’re one of the leading experts in seismic strengthening of commercial and industrial buildings in the Wellington region.
Some of the challenges we faced are dealing with mixtures of construction materials including un-reinforced brick, timber, concrete, steel and often several generations of old earthquake strengthening.
Ingenuity and lateral thinking is applied to get steelwork inside the building to be installed where access can be an issue.
We have also worked on buildings that were used during the day, installing the seismic frames at night, room by room, floor by floor, leaving each area usable the next day
Our expertise
30 Waring Taylor Street
Seismic strengthening process
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The process of using a 3D laser scanner to capture different points to measure the area. Scanning enables the identification of any clashes enabling solutions to be considered and proposed as part of final designs.
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Concrete scanning identifies hidden objects like rebar and post-tension cables, significantly reducing the potential of damage to these critical structural elements.
The results of concrete scanning also guides our design team on the placement of fixing holes and services penetrations. -
Development of detailed drawings and on site drilling to ensure any potential clashes are identified early.
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The acquisition of the raw materials required to fabricate the seismic solution.
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The process of cutting, drilling and welding steel to create the required assemblies.
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The sandblasting and application of paint to the steel plus other protective coatings to the steel.
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The installation and erection of the steelwork on site.
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Assembly of quality assurance documentation for submission to the consultants and client.
Our technology.
Successful seismic strengthening projects are enhanced through the use of modern technology and techniques. In order to get the best results for the projects we are involved in we’ve invested in the following technology.
