Why we’re creating geotechnical resources and events
Last updated: 4 May 2017
To build it right we need to understand and design for the ground our buildings stand on. We are therefore producing educational resources and events to share understanding of the latest geotechnical learnings and guidelines among geotechnical engineers and those they work with in the building sec.
The guidelines and education will help promote consistency of approach to everyday engineering practice in New Zealand, improving geotechnical-earthquake aspects of building performance.
Upcoming events
The events calendar on the New Zealand Geotechnical Society website provides information on upcoming events and learning opportunities for geotechnical practitioners.
Who the resources are for
We are creating these educational resources and events for geotechnical engineers and people they work with in the sector. In particular, they are for:
- geotechnical engineering graduates training for CPEng/PEngGeol
- experienced geo-professionals looking to upskill
- architects
- developers
- land planners
- building officials.
Geotechnical response to Canterbury
High-level geotechnical skills are essential. They improve both our understanding of the ground we build on and our methods for designing foundations where liquefaction is likely. The Canterbury earthquakes caused significant land damage. Our learnings from those earthquakes will help us build foundations that better withstand land damage, reducing the chance of costly building failures in the future.
The Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission made recommendations about geotechnical considerations and foundation design. These included the need to provide guidance on geotechnical earthquake engineering (recommendation numbers 3-31).
Guidance supported by education
MBIE and the NZ Geotechnical Society (NZGS) are developing seven geotechnical guidelines [modules], called the earthquake geotechnical engineering practice series, in response to these recommendations. MBIE, Engineering New Zealand and NZGS are working together and combining their expertise to provide education on the guidelines and other important geotechnical topics.
Watch an introductory presentation about the earthquake geotechnical engineering practice series.
Parties working on the geotechnical education
MBIE, Engineering New Zealand and the New Zealand Geotechnical Society are working jointly on this programme.
Timeframe
This programme is expected to run for several years. Our initial focus will be on creating education for the MBIE/NZGS geotechnical guidelines, while also producing other resources (for example, a rockfall guide).