Tuesday 6 March 2012 2:32pm
University of Otago staff were today informed about the University’s seismic assessment and strengthening programme for buildings on its Dunedin Campus, which has been budgeted at $50M over the next eight years.
At a staff forum Chief Operating Officer John Patrick explained the process for assessing which buildings on campus are likely to be classified as earthquake-prone and what the plans are for upgrading those that will require strengthening.
The forum was attended by about 300 staff and lasted just over an hour. Speakers included Mr Patrick, University of Otago geologist Professor Richard Norris and Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne.
Mr Patrick told staff engineering assessments of University buildings were well underway, and landlords of other buildings which the University leased would also be asked for engineering information.
The contents of detailed assessments for an initial group of buildings were explained. The buildings are: Cumberland College; Lindo Fergusson; Scott Building; Staff Club; Arts Building; Geology and the Clocktower Building. All except the Scott Building were found to be not earthquake-prone, or in the case of the Clocktower building likely to be not earthquake-prone (this assessment is not yet finalised). Fuller details appear below.
Mr Patrick also explained that detailed assessment of a second group of buildings is about to begin: Arana College; Carrington College; Zoology Building; Surveying School Building; Property Services Building; Marama Hall; Archway Buildings; Professorial Houses (Scott/Shand & Black/Sale).
Overall, $50 million has been set aside in Priority Development Plan Budget to complete strengthening work by 2019, which is many years earlier than the deadlines established by the Dunedin City Council.
The work will be carried out in accordance with the University’s own seismic guidelines of 100% new building strength (NBS) for new buildings, not less than 67% for renovated/modified buildings and not less than 34% for existing buildings.
The University also plans to communicate this information to students in the near future.
Detailed assessments overview:
Cumberland College
- Originally earthquake-prone as defined in the Building Act 2004
- Less than 34% of NBS
- Improvements/repairs done over last summer vacation
- Rating now greater than 50% of NBS
- Now not earthquake-prone as defined in the Building Act 2004
- Further upgrade work will be done over the next two years to achieve at least 67% of NBS
Lindo Fergusson Building
- Not earthquake-prone as defined in the Building Act 2004
- Between 38% and 50% of NBS
- Improvements up to 100% NBS can be made during University breaks
- Upgrade options report being prepared now
Scott Building
- Earthquake-prone as defined in the Building Act 2004
- Between 25% and 30% of NBS
- Strengthening required
- Improvements up to 100% NBS can be made during University holiday breaks working floor-by-floor
- Upgrade options report currently being prepared for costing
Staff Club Building
- Not earthquake-prone as defined in the Building Act 2004
- 100% of NBS if shaken in a North-South direction and 77% of NBS if shaken in an East-West direction
- No further action required
Arts Building
- Not earthquake-prone as defined in the Building Act 2004
- 50% of NBS
- Options are being considered due to the spalling concrete repairs that are required and the development option outlined in the Campus Master Plan
Geology Building
- Not earthquake-prone as defined in the Building Act 2004
- 35% of NBS
- Improvement to 71% NBS can be made floor-by-floor during University breaks
- Improvement to 100% NBS is possible and will not require excessive rebuilding. Options are being considered.
Clocktower Building
- This assessment is not finalised
- Likely to be not earthquake-prone as defined in the Building Act 2004
- Likely to be 35% of NBS
- Improvement to 70% NBS can be made without closing the building
- Improvement to 100% NBS is possible and should not require excessive rebuilding.
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