Post-Earthquake Reparability of Buildings: The Role of Non-Structural Elements.

Recent earthquake events in New Zealand have highlighted the need to improve the post-earthquake reparability of buildings. This paper describes a number of avenues for improving the post-earthquake reparability of buildings and reviews a number of recent and ongoing efforts to improve post-earthquake reparability in New Zealand. Attention is given to the role that non-structural elements play in the reparability of buildings. The work explains how the design and detailing of non-structural elements can be enhanced to achieve improved reparability. To reduce the vulnerability of drift-sensitive non-structural elements, such as plasterboard partition walls, a number of alternative detailing strategies are under development. For acceleration-sensitive components such as ceilings and suspended piping, issues with the industry design, installation and inspection provisions are highlighted and ongoing research aimed at understanding system interaction effects is discussed. The last part of the paper proposes different ways of improving reparability during the conceptual design of a building. Various possibilities are identified, such as the definition of inspection and repair criteria and the relocation of non-structural elements away from structural locations to improve access to non-structural elements. It is concluded that by considering potential inspection and repair needs during concept design, considerable time and repair cost could be saved following intense earthquake shaking, with considerable socio-economic benefits for the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]