LESSONS FROM NAPIER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 24 February 1931, Page 8

LESSONS FROM NAPIER

BUILDING BY-LAWS ARCHITECT'S IMPRESSIONS “It is estimated that the town of Napier has risen from 8 to 10 feet. This will affect all the levels and is already causing great anxiety as to the elfect of wet weather on the surrounding country,” said Mr B. J. Ager, of Christchurch, who has returned after a visit to the earthquake region. “From an architect’s and engineer’s point of view, many lessons can be learned,” he said to a “Press” reporter. “| spent four days in the affected area, closely .examining the structures that had collapsed, also those that were standing, and the conclusion I came to was primarily that the Government must: insist, on much more stringent building by-laws in order to save life in the future. There must be a uniform code of by-laws throughout New Zealand. Materials that have a uniform period of vibration must be used and buildings must be so constructed that they will not collapse or portions of them dislodge and crush people inside or running out in the street.

NEED FOR STABILITY The greatest care must be taken, said Mr Ager, to see that all foundations, walls, floors, etc., were effectively tied together. There was evidence on all sidej of faulty construction. Bricks walls had just crumbled

away, as in most cases there was no bond, and in some instances it .appeared as if the bricks had been Jtist piled together. Stability must not be sacrificed for ornament. “If there is one thing that is misunderstood it is the term ‘rcinfoiced concrete,’ ’’said Mr Ager. “I inspected the supposed reinforced concrete buildings, which were constructed mostly of concrete in front of brick, and a small

amount of iron. Immediately on the first shock the whole fell out and broke up. The reinforced concrete buildings properly constructed have stood the test, and business is now being carried on in several of them. There is evidence that they have had a severe shaking, but. they remain intact and, as far as can be judged, are still in their proper positions. Indeed, in some cases the glass is unbroken.”