Repair and reinstatement of earthquake damaged houses - deviation of repair techniques

Abstract

This report describes the development of procedures for the repair after earthquake of a selection of structural elements of domestic housing. Systems considered included an exterior wall clad with sheet sheathing, a braced pile foundation system, a brick veneer corner and gypsum plasterboard lined interior walls of a 1960s two-storey duplex housing unit.

Prior to selecting the systems for investigation, earthquake damage records were reviewed, post-earthquake reconnaissance reports were examined and interviews were undertaken with damage assessors, builders and Territorial Authority personnel with experience in damage repair after earthquakes. From these investigations the systems were chosen for testing as being the most in need of guidance to the construction industry.