EWBNZ Speaker Evening

EWBNZ Speaker Evening: "The Haitian Rebuild: Earthquake Repair Strategies in a Developing World Environment"

Date:Wednesday 7th December
Time: 5:30 for a 6pm start
Location: 4th Floor of MWH Office, Hazeldean Business Park, 6 Hazeldean Road, Christchurch

EWBNZ's Canterbury Professionals chapter host Michael King for a presentation of his experiences as part of the ongoing Haitian Rebuild. Michael. a Structural Engineer from California worked in Haiti for seven months, following the January 2010 earthquake. The purpose of his work in Haiti was to provide support and logistical planning for the damage assessment of all of the structures in Port-au-Prince (and surrounding areas). This process started with an Applied Technology Council procedure (ATC-20) and was adapted for use in Haiti, including the use of PDA’s (Palm Treo’s which were donated by Palm).

Within the devastation, it was noted there was a need to provide education and structural modification of the building practices in Haiti. The style and type of construction was found to be highly susceptible to earthquake forces - some minor modifications were identified that could develop a much more resilient construction methodology.

The process of repairs for the 100,000 damaged buildings was started with a design and construction methodology that used local tradesman, local materials and only engaged the services of several foreign engineers. This was a training program to redirect the local process to a more viable future.

As part of this program, a large school in Jacmel was designed and constructed using modern reinforced concrete masonry techniques. This school now stands as an example of what great effects a few minor changes can have to a structural system. The acceptance of a change helps to heal a city and population following a devastating event such as an earthquake."

All welcome