[T-R3xx]

Growing up in California (as I am sure it is in NZ), you learn to live with earthquakes. Having been through several, including the Loma Prieta quake in ’89, I have seen first-hand the damage that can be done. All that being said, here is my question:

Do new homes in NZ have any earthquake resistant standards they have to adhere to by law? I notice a lot of brick and cement, which are considered “no-no’s” in California.

I would also be interested in hearing about any personal experiences relating to earthquakes in NZ.

Thanks!!

[Gran]

No need to worry if you are headed for Auckland or further north, we dont get earthquakes!!!!

[selchie]

It would appear that they do have something written in the codes about earthquake safeing, but I didn't quite track down the particulars. This is the site I found: http://www.building.dbh.govt.nz.

[spider]

Yes, all houses are built to very strict building regulations that allow for earthquakes.

The brick you see is only an outer skin not and structure in it, so if there was and earthquake that brick would full down but not the rest of the house.

Building methods are very different to the UK methods and this is why houses are built out of timber and not block stacked one on top of the other as these would full down in an earthquake.

People rave on here about the better standard of building and the doulbe skin block houses in the UK and how primitive NZ houses are in comparsion. Well this is why all UK house would full down in an earthquake. I work in Ireland and the term bracking is hardly talked about but it is discussed all the time in NZ and you have to allow for side movement not only sinkage.

Hope this clears up you concern.

[Smiler]

We were amazed at the earthquake foundations in Te Papa, bit like building your house on Kwikfit's old cast offs, but the engineering that goes into it. WOW.

Going in the earthquake house was a 'good' experience, nice to have a trial run, just in case a :exit is needed.

We loved Te Papa

Deborah

[T-R3xx]

Thanks for the great responses. Selchie - great link!

I wasn't THAT concerned - just wanted to make sure. Got the 'sprogletts' to think about, you know!

Trust, but verify!

Thanks again!!