Description

This is an overview of the modules which make up the Earthquake Geotechnical Engineering Practice geotechnical guidelines.

Module 1 introduces the subject of earthquake geotechnical engineering, provides context within the building regulatory framework, and provides guidance for estimating ground motion parameters for geotechnical design.

Please also see Learn about Module 1

and view the previous Version 0.

Scope

Changes in this version include:

• Additions to Section 1.5 The Building Code and Guidance to provide an overview of how the Modules fit into the Building Code system
• Additions and changes to Section 3. Geotechnical considerations for the built environment to include discussion on limit states and performance-based considerations
• Additions and changes to Section 5 Estimating ground motion parameters
  • Changes to seismic design hazard values (for geotechnical design only) for the following locations – Gisborne, Napier, Whanganui, Palmerston North, Wellington, Blenheim, and surrounding areas
  • The minimum peak ground acceleration (α_max) and earthquake magnitude (Mw) for low seismicity areas (notably Northland and Auckland) is now made explicit.
• Appendix A:
  • Addition of Table A1: Peak Ground Acceleration (α_max) and Earthquake Magnitude (M) values recommended for Geotechnical Assessment, for Site Classes A, B, C, D and E, for level ground conditions. This table has been developed to provide values for hazard parameters Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) and Earthquake Magnitude (M), for return period earthquakes from 25 to 2500 years for all locations listed in NZS 1170.5
  • The same hazard parameters (PGA and M) are specified for all site classes that includes robust justification.
• Other content changes and clarifications as a result of feedback submissions.