A clear and effective specification is an essential tool to help ensure that projects achieve the objectives desired by the client, geotechnical designer and contractor. While project-specific specifications can be useful in accurately describing the exact requirements for each project, they result in a steep…
This Specification sets out requirements for the construction of bored or driven pile types. This document is published in collaboration by the Structural Engineering Society New Zealand (SESOC) and the New Zealand Geotechnical Society (NZGS). This document supersedes the Auckland Structural Group publication “Piling Specification”…
The sequence of strong earthquakes in Canterbury in 2010 to 2011, most notably the devastating Mw 6.2 earthquake on 22 February 2011, the source of which was located within Christchurch, resulted in 185 fatalities and extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. Liquefaction occurred on several occasions through the…
ABSTRACT Following the 2010-2011 Canterbury Earthquake Sequence a Royal Commission of inquiry provided approximately 200 recommendations to the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE). Of these, over thirty were specific to geotechnical engineering. The royal inquiry recommended that MBIE work with industry to improve…
Introduction As some of you are no doubt aware, my term as the NZGS Chair comes to an end on 30 September 2019 and this will be my last “Chairs Corner” article. I wish to thank all of the NZGS Management Committee for their hard…
This special edition of the New Zealand Geomechanics News has a focus on some of the incredible work which has been completed to date by the North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery (NCTIR) Alliance. I hope that all readers will find some time over their Christmas…
Introduction This paper describes the damage that was caused to the South Bay Marina and Coast Guard Station by the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, and, the associated impact on the local community and economy. An overview of the “fast track” design and construction process that was…
I would like to start this article by acknowledging the sad passing of Dave Burns (AECOM, Auckland) on 27 January 2018 and remembering all of the fine work that he completed during his career. Forefront in my mind are his many years of service on…
Abstract Until 2017 there was no standard template in New Zealand to assist in the specification and procurement of ground investigations, and so consequently specifications varied significantly from project to project and between organisations. This caused numerous problems: (1) Long project specific specifications were unlikely…
It is my great pleasure and honour to be writing my first “Chair’s Corner” report. As most of you will know, Charlie’s term as NZGS Chair ended on 30 September 2017, and, I took the helm on 01 October. Over these past five years, as a…
