World-leading New Zealand research hopes to provide a cheaper solution for earthquake strengthening in higher-risk buildings. Kathryn speaks with Dr Enrique del Rey Castillo, University of Auckland Civil and Environmental Engineering lecturer and lead researcher in a project to earthquake strengthen damaged or earthquake-prone concrete walls, columns, and in a world first, floors with carbon fibre patches.
Looking at 'axial failure' in pre 1980s concrete buildings, Dr del Rey Castillo's team has already tested fifty-six different combinations of concrete, steel and carbon fibre to see when and how walls and floors break. The University of Auckland engineers have been wrapping danger-spots on at-risk walls in carbon fibre and testing whether this solution can bring the walls up to modern earthquake performance standards.
Photo: Enrique Del Rey Castillo
