Canterbury earthquake: Technical guidance
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Investigation of key building performance
Following the 22 February 2011 Canterbury earthquake the Department of Building and Housing commenced a technical investigation to look at the performance of four relatively modern multi-story buildings in the central business district that has serious structural failures. These were the:
- Pyne Gould Corporation (PCG) building
- Forsyth Barr building
- Hotel Grand Chancellor building
- Canterbury Television (CTV) building.
This investigation is now complete and investigation reports have been published.
Read the Department's media release about its technical investigation »
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Scope of the Department’s technical investigation
The focus of the Department’s technical investigation was to look at the structural performance of each building and to identify where possible, the cause or causes of building failures. It was not intended to address issues of culpability or liability. These matters were outside the scope of this investigation.
Expert panel
The Department appointed leading New Zealand engineering consultants to investigate each of the buildings. It also established an Expert Panel to oversee their work, provide guidance on the methodology of the investigations and peer reviewed the findings.
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Investigation reports
The Department’s technical investigation is complete and final reports have been published.
The following reports are available to download:
Expert panel reports
Department reports
Canterbury Television Building Investigation Reports
PCG Investigation reports
Forsyth Barr Investigation Reports
Hotel Grand Chancellor Investigation Reports
Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission of Inquiry
The Royal Commission of Inquiry, announced on 14 March 2011, will also take into account, but will not be limited by, the results of the Department’s technical investigation.
Contact details for the investigation:
Telephone: 0800 242 243
Email: chchinvestigations@dbh.govt.nz
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