What’s the NHC-funded project?  

Most New Zealanders live in low-rise, timber-framed houses. While most of these homes meet life-safety criteria under the Building Code, after a major earthquake they often suffer major damage, leading to economic losses and psychological trauma. If more people were strengthened their timber-framed homes, it would improve New Zealand’s resilience to earthquakes.

We know from past research that two main things influence peoples’ decisions to strengthen: expectation of damage after an event, and sources of information (i.e. builders). My research unpacks homeowners’ expectations of damage to support future updates to building codes, standards and policies, and seeks to understand the role of builders in community resilience.

What do you like most about your work?

I get to work with and for our people. By understanding and unpacking their expectations of damage, I can help shape future policies and ensure that those who have been underrepresented in the development of building codes are finally heard.

Testing hollow-core laminated timber beams at the University of Conception in 2014 (taken by her dad – Alejandro Miranda)

As engineers, we sometimes forget that our designs are meant for people—both now and for future generations. It's essential to incorporate their beliefs, opinions, and expectations into our work. After all, they will be the ones living in and paying for these homes. 

I also enjoy collaborating with builders. They play a crucial role in building a resilient Aotearoa, yet their voices are often missing in these discussions. Builders are the ones people turn to when they need work done on their houses, and we engineers need to engage with them more.

It's about representing the unheard voices. 

What is your personal experience with natural hazards, and how was it influenced your research?

I went through the 2010 Maule earthquake in Concepcion (8.8 magnitude). As an engineer, I enjoyed watching my house go back and forth! It was an amazing experience. As a daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend, it hurt so much to see the pain on everyone's faces when they did not know what to do. It was hard to see my hometown destroyed.

I helped my community as much as I could, assessing their houses so they felt safer; while I sat in the car for hours listening to the radio and hearing a list of disappeared people, wishing I did not hear any familiar names. I didn’t.

I was lucky to live in a house that did not suffer any damage. As an engineer, I knew it was going to be fine. But not everyone was lucky.

I want to do as much as I can to avoid people suffering.

What is your vision for a resilient New Zealand?

Dr Catalina Miranda presenting at 2023 QuakeCoRE annual meeting (taken by Charlotte Toma)

Where communities are prepared, and united in the face of natural hazards.

It would mean having buildings and infrastructure that can withstand earthquakes and other disasters, minimising damage and ensuring speedy recovery. This includes buildings that are constructed or retrofitted to meet the highest inclusive standards of safety and sustainability.

Communities (builders, engineers, policymakers, and homeowners) are educated and aware of the risks and equipped with the knowledge and resources to prepare and respond effectively to natural hazards. I envision a resilient NZ where we all work together, with strong communication and trust, that allows us to implement best practices in construction and disaster preparedness.