Consultation on changes to seismicity and foundation details for Canterbury

The Department of Building and Housing has called for comments on changes it made some months ago to the Building Code’s supporting documents for Structure. These were made as urgent changes on the 19th of May and, because of their urgent introduction, must be opened up to public comment within six months of the date of introduction.

The changes included:

• Increased the seismic hazard factor for the Canterbury earthquake region to 0.3 minimum
• Strengthened the definition of ‘good ground’
• Required concrete slabs-on-ground to be reinforced with ductile steel mesh which is tied to foundation reinforcement
• Clarified that foundations on ground that is prone to liquefaction or lateral spread should be specially designed.

Although the DBH has presumed that feedback will come from the building industry, anyone is entitled to make a submission and have it considered. Submissions close on the 31st of October 2011.

Information on making a submission is here. Comments can be made on-line.
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