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The last version of the National Building Code of Canada was issued in 2010. The next version will be issued in 2015. In the code cycle between 2010 and 2015 significant changes have taken place in the seismic design provision. The main factor that drives these changes is an improved understanding of the seismic hazard across the country. Changes have also been introduced in the site effect factors. The structural design provisions have been appropriately adjusted to respond to changes in the estimates of hazard and the new site effect factors. There are also new provisions related to design in regions of low hazard, buildings with flexible diaphragms, buildings with inclined columns, passive energy dissipation systems, base isolation, rocking foundations, glazing systems, racks, and elevators. Some of the changes are briefly discussed. The main focus of the paper is, however, on the revisions to the structural design provisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-tensioned concrete masonry walls provide improved seismic performance, but have had limited application in seismic regions because of a lack of research pertaining to their in-plane response. Following focused research over recent years, a consortium of product suppliers has collaborated with the University of Auckland to construct New Zealand’s first post-tensioned concrete masonry house. A feature of this innovative design was that all incorporated products were commercially available, with no proprietary products being specifically developed for the prestressed masonry system used. Consequently, it is hoped that this house will be a showcase, and provide exposure for the technology in New Zealand and elsewhere. This paper provides a brief review of previous post-tensioned concrete masonry research applications, then discusses post-tensioning details and their application to house design and construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]