ER95 Code of Practice for the Seismic Performance of Non-Structural Elements (2024)

Non-structural elements (NSEs) are essential for building function and liveability – including, for instance, ducting, suspended ceilings and façades. However, there is insufficient knowledge about their seismic performance, which leads to increased risk of seismic failures and poor earthquake safety.

Building professionals are also struggling to solve specification, construction and procurement challenges, creating higher construction costs and risks. In a previous Levy-funded study, building professionals unanimously stressed that the lack of minimum acceptable standards for the seismic qualification of NSEs is a pressing problem. The Commerce Commission has also identified the need for alternative compliance pathways for building components.

This has prompted a cross-organisational response, linking researchers from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, WSP, Beca, Naylor Love and BRANZ, with co-funding from the Building Innovation Partnership.

The collaborative research project has developed a seismic qualification framework and a series of tools for NSEs in Aotearoa New Zealand. The framework streamlines performance characterisation, specification and quality assurance procedures and helps inform procurement documentation and the consenting process.

For this, researchers tested whether existing protocols meet loading and performance requirements. They developed new protocols, as needed, alongside data on design parameters for NSEs. These were be validated and tested on at least one live project.

The framework brings reliability and transparency to design and procurement of NSEs. It is a stepping stone to meeting resilience objectives and result in better, safer buildings for New Zealanders.