A framework for understanding post-earthquake decisions on multi-storey concrete buildings in Christchurch, New Zealand

....................................................................................................................................................... ii Preface ........................................................................................................................................................ iii Table of contents ........................................................................................................................................ iv List of tables ............................................................................................................................................... vi List of figures ............................................................................................................................................ vii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................. viii Dedication ................................................................................................................................................... ix Chapter 1: Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Rationale for the study ................................................................................................................. 2 1.2 Research objectives and scope ................................................................................................... 4 1.3 Organization of thesis .................................................................................................................. 6 Chapter 2: Christchurch context ............................................................................................................... 8 2.1 Built environment ......................................................................................................................... 8 2.2 Ownership profile in Christchurch CBD ....................................................................................... 9 2.3 Overview of the Canterbury earthquake sequence ................................................................... 10 2.4 Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) ................................................................. 13 2.5 Christchurch Central Development Unit (CCDU) ...................................................................... 13 2.6 Building demolitions in Christchurch CBD ................................................................................. 14 2.7 Earthquake insurance in New Zealand ...................................................................................... 17 2.7.1 Residential earthquake insurance ......................................................................................... 18 2.7.2 Commercial earthquake insurance........................................................................................ 19 2.7.3 Overview of earthquake insurance in Canada ...................................................................... 20 2.8 Building regulations and local government policy...................................................................... 22 2.8.1 Building Act and Building Code ............................................................................................. 22 2.8.2 Christchurch’s earthquake-prone building policy .................................................................. 23 2.9 Post-earthquake building evaluation process ............................................................................ 24 2.9.1 Post-earthquake safety evaluations ...................................................................................... 24 2.9.2 Detailed Engineering Evaluation (DEE) ................................................................................ 26 Chapter 3: Research methodology and design ..................................................................................... 28 3.1 Decision-making theories on seismic risks ................................................................................ 28 3.2 Conceptual framework ............................................................................................................... 35 3.3 Methodological approach and data collection ........................................................................... 43 3.3.1 Multiple case studies approach ............................................................................................. 43 3.3.2 Interviews and interview protocol .......................................................................................... 44