Preview of PCI's New Zealand earthquake reconnalssanoe team report

Moment-resisting frames have been the most common seismic-force-resisting system for tall buildings in New Zealand. A beam sidesway mechanism, in which plastic hinges form in the beams due to strong columns and weak beams, is the preferred nonlinear mechanism. Structural precast concrete walls have also been used to provide seismic resistance in medium-rise buildings in New Zealand. In some cases precast concrete walls and frames are combined to form dual systems. These walls are designed to develop a plastic hinge at the base. New Zealand lies on the Pacific Rim and has a history of strong earthquakes. However, Christchurch is about 240 km from the nearest known major fault, and thus was not expected to experience a large earthquake. The exterior moment-resisting frame of the PricewaterhouseCoopers building performed as intended, forming the desired flexural plastic hinges at the ends of the beams.