What we do
The structural and seismic engineering team explores how New Zealand's buildings perform structurally and align with the standards set in the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC). Our research areas include:
- seismic design of low-rise and mid-rise buildings, including hybrid structures
- seismic and fire performance of hollowcore floors
- seismic performance of structural insulated panels (SIPs)
- foundations on sloping sites.
Working with system stakeholders
The team collaborates on research activities with domestic and international stakeholders throughout the building system. Stakeholders include:
- industry players (builders, suppliers and manufacturers)
- practitioners (engineers, designers and architects)
- government agencies
- professional organisations
- nationwide research programmes
- universities
- Crown research institutes.
Research and resources
The team has conducted substantial research aimed at addressing practical engineering challenges and issues. These activities have produced in-depth study reports and useful resources, such as the multi-storey light timber framing guide, research reports, fact sheets, bulletins and Build articles.
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ER74 Recast floors project
A series of papers relating to the performance of precast concrete floors in New Zealand, including design issues and retrofitting. The papers provide guidance for structural engineers.
Download [PDF, 70.9 MB] -
Multi-storey light timber-framed buildings in New Zealand: Engineering design
These guidelines describe methods for designing LTF structures that go beyond 2.5 storeys and are outside the scope of NZS 3604:2011 Timber-framed buildings.
View more -
SR337 Design guidance of specifically designed bracing systems
The objective of this study was to develop design guidance to mitigate, through better designing and detailing, the earthquake damage to light timber-framed (LTF) residential buildings.
Download [PDF, 1MB] -
SR327 Structural performance of houses in the Canterbury earthquake series
This report describes the collection and analysis of survey data on a group of 314 randomly selected houses in Christchurch following the major earthquakes of the Canterbury earthquake series.
Download [PDF, 1.1MB] -
Impact of structural and seismic research
BRANZ scientists have a worldwide reputation for seismic and wind engineering expertise. We provide evidence-based guidance to local and central government and contribute to the development of New Zealand, Australian and international standards.
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Updated: 15 February 2024