With the strict regulatory environment surrounding Earthquake-Prone Buildings (EPB) in New Zealand, understanding your property’s seismic capacity is critical. Our team has extensive experience to provide comprehensive engineering assessments to determine a building's %NBS (New Building Standard) rating and design practical strengthening solutions.
Initial Seismic Assessment (ISA)
An ISA is the recommended first step for a qualitative "first look" at a building’s seismic performance. Utilising the Initial Evaluation Procedure (IEP) framework, we conduct a high-level review of the building's age, construction type, and visible structural attributes to provide a broad indication of its earthquake rating. This is often used for preliminary property due diligence or when a Territorial Authority flags a building as potentially earthquake-prone.
Detailed Seismic Assessment (DSA)
When a higher level of structural reliability is required, we perform a DSA. This is a comprehensive, quantitative engineering appraisal that examines individual structural elements and lateral load-resisting systems. A DSA is typically required if an ISA falls below or near the critical 34%NBS threshold, if a building is undergoing a major change of use, or to support a building consent application for structural alterations.
Seismic Strengthening & Retrofit Design
If a building is classified as an earthquake risk (under 67%NBS) or legally earthquake-prone (under 34%NBS), our engineering team can design tailored retrofitting strategies. We focus on cost-effective, buildable strengthening solutions that raise your %NBS rating, protect life safety, safeguard your asset value, and satisfy local council requirements.
If you’re looking for a broader assessment of a building’s structural condition rather than its seismic performance, please visit our Structural Condition Assessments page.