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Residential building repair and reconstruction

Rebulding in Christchurch 

The Department of Building and Housing has produced guidance on rebuilding in the Canterbury earthquake area.

Zones

CERA has published residential rebuilding zonesLandCheck website. : 

  • Green (Go Zone): repair / rebuild process can begin
  • Orange (Hold Zone): further assessment required
  • Red (No Go Zone): land repair would be prolonged and uneconomic
  • White (Unzoned): CBD or hillside land where geotechnical mapping and further assessment currently underway

Green Zone breakdown

The Department guidance breaks the Green Zone into three technical categories. Foundation requirements differ from category to category. For a quick guide see below:

  • Technical Category 1 (TC1) – future land damage from liquefaction unlikely.
  • Technical Category 2 (TC2) – minor to moderate land damage from liquefaction is possible in future large earthquakes.
  • Technical Category 3 (TC3) – moderate to significant land damage from liquefaction is possible in future large earthquakes.

Find information sheet on foundation requirements for TC1, TC2 and TC3 at www.cera.govt.nzCERA website. .

The Department has issued guidance on house repairs and reconstruction in Canterbury and also Guidelines for the geotechnical investigation and assessment of subdivisions in the Canterbury region.

It reflects new scientific and geotechnical information and knowledge about the impact of earthquakes and the effects of liquefaction on residential dwellings.

It includes useful information on repairs to foundations and new foundations in TC1 and TC2, assessments of retaining walls for hillside properties, chimney repairs and repairs to house superstructures, pole frame houses and masonry walls.

Appendix C contains information about repairing and rebuilding foundations in TC3.

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Department guidance for residential building repair and construction

Interim guidance for repairing and rebuilding foundations in TC3: Appendix C to the November 2011 guidance document – April 2012

Guidance on reinforcement for concrete slabs-on-ground in the Canterbury earthquake region – Amended April 2012

Revised guidance on repairing and rebuilding houses affected by the Canterbury earthquake sequence – November 2011

Summary of the guidance on repairing and rebuilding houses affected by the Canterbury earthquake sequence – October 2011

Guidance on using NZS 32604 construction on ground with potential for liquefaction – August 2011

Information sheet on seismicity changes - Structure B1/VM1, B1/AS1, B1/AS3  - May 2011

Questions and Answers: Criteria for re-levelling floors and repairing cracks in foundations [PDF 210 KB, 4 pages] - March 2012

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