Comparative Analysis of Lifetime Costs: Base Isolated Buildings vs. Conventional Buildings

This research examines whether the higher upfront cost of base isolation can be justified through reduced earthquake damage and lower lifetime losses.

The project developed a national inventory of 67 base-isolated buildings in New Zealand and compared the expected earthquake losses of base-isolated and conventional building designs using advanced seismic and loss-modelling techniques.

The findings show that base isolation can substantially reduce earthquake losses and, for some low- and mid-rise buildings, recover its additional construction cost within a realistic building lifespan.

The report provides new evidence to support risk-informed building design and investment decisions aimed at improving New Zealand’s seismic resilience.

To view Appendix 5, 'Base-isolated building database of New Zealand', contact research@naturalhazards.govt.nz