Seismic Engineering

Seismic Assessment, Strengthening
& Resilience

New Zealand’s seismic environment makes the assessment and strengthening of buildings an important part of responsible structural engineering. GDC Group provides specialist seismic engineering services for new and existing buildings, from initial seismic investigations and assessments through to strengthening design and construction support.

Our Services
Seismic Engineering

Our Services

Our Seismic Engineering Services

GDC Group provides a comprehensive range of seismic engineering services, including:

  • Initial Seismic Assessments (ISAs)
  • Detailed Seismic Assessments (DSAs)
  • Earthquake-Prone Building Assessments
  • Seismic Risk Assessments
  • Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings
  • Concept Seismic Strengthening
  • Seismic Strengthening & Retrofit Design
  • Seismic Upgrade Design
  • Structural Seismic Analysis
  • Seismic Design for New Buildings
  • Structural Condition Assessments
  • Seismic Due Diligence
  • Seismic Advice for Property Acquisition & Development
  • Strengthening Feasibility Studies
  • Detailed Strengthening Design
  • Construction Documentation & Engineering Support

Multidisciplinary Expertise

Engineering, surveying and planning expertise within one coordinated team.

Practical Solutions

Practical, cost-effective advice tailored to each project and site.

Integrated Approach

Disciplines coordinated early to reduce conflicts and improve outcomes.

Built for New Zealand

Aligned with New Zealand standards, conditions and communities.

About this service

Seismic Engineering

We work with building owners, developers, architects and project teams to understand seismic risk and develop practical, proportionate and cost-effective solutions.

Seismic Engineering
GDCGDC Group · Seismic Engineering

Initial Seismic Assessments (ISAs)

An Initial Seismic Assessment (ISA) provides an initial understanding of a building's potential seismic performance and identifies areas that may require further investigation.

GDC Group can undertake preliminary seismic investigations to help building owners understand potential vulnerabilities and determine whether a more detailed assessment is appropriate.

Our assessments consider the building's age, structural form, construction materials, alterations, location and available information.

Detailed Seismic Assessments (DSAs)

A Detailed Seismic Assessment (DSA) provides a more comprehensive engineering evaluation of an existing building's seismic performance.

Our engineers undertake detailed structural investigations and analysis to identify potential weaknesses and assess the building's performance against relevant seismic criteria.

A DSA may include:

  • Review of existing structural information
  • Site investigations and building inspections
  • Structural system identification
  • Review of alterations and previous strengthening
  • Structural modelling and analysis
  • Identification of critical structural elements
  • Seismic capacity assessment
  • Identification of structural weaknesses
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  • Assessment of potential seismic deficiencies
  • Engineering recommendations
  • Seismic strengthening options

Where appropriate, we coordinate with other engineering disciplines to ensure ground conditions, foundations and the wider building system are considered.

Concept Seismic Strengthening

Where a building requires seismic improvement, understanding the strengthening options, likely scope and potential cost at an early stage can be critical.

GDC Group provides Concept Seismic Strengthening services to develop practical options for improving a building's seismic performance before progressing to detailed design.

Concept strengthening may consider:

  • Strengthening of existing structural elements
  • New structural walls or frames
  • Bracing systems
  • Beam and column strengthening
  • Connection strengthening
  • Foundation strengthening
  • Diaphragm and load-path improvements
  • Localised strengthening
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  • Alternative strengthening strategies

We can compare potential solutions based on structural performance, constructability, architectural impact, project disruption and indicative cost, helping clients make informed decisions before committing to detailed strengthening design.

Seismic Strengthening & Retrofit

Following assessment and concept development, GDC Group can progress strengthening solutions through detailed structural design and construction documentation.

Our approach is to develop strengthening solutions that are technically appropriate while minimising unnecessary intervention into the existing building.

We consider:

  • Existing structural conditions
  • Building use and occupancy
  • Construction methodology
  • Architectural requirements
  • Foundation capacity
  • Access and construction constraints
  • Cost and project programme
  • Integration with other building services

Earthquake-Prone Building Advice

GDC Group can assist building owners and property stakeholders in understanding their seismic obligations and the engineering considerations associated with potentially earthquake-prone buildings.

We can provide technical advice, assessment and engineering recommendations to support discussions with building owners, councils, architects and other project stakeholders.

Seismic Due Diligence

Seismic risk can be an important consideration when acquiring, developing or managing property.

GDC Group can undertake seismic due diligence to help clients understand the potential structural risks associated with an existing building.

This can assist with:

  • Property acquisition decisions
  • Development feasibility
  • Building upgrades
  • Investment due diligence
  • Insurance and risk considerations
  • Long-term asset planning
  • Seismic strengthening strategies

New Building Seismic Design

For new buildings, seismic performance is integrated into the structural design from the outset.

Our structural engineers work alongside architects, geotechnical engineers and other consultants to develop efficient structural systems that respond to the building's use, site conditions and project requirements.

Early coordination can help achieve efficient structural systems, reduce design conflicts and minimise unnecessary construction complexity.

Integrated Engineering
GDCGDC Group · Seismic Engineering

Integrated Engineering

Seismic performance does not sit in isolation from the rest of a building.

Our multidisciplinary capability allows seismic engineering to be coordinated with:

  • Structural engineering
  • Geotechnical engineering
  • Architectural design
  • Civil engineering
  • Foundation design
  • Building services
  • Construction requirements

This integrated approach allows seismic considerations to be addressed early and carried through the project from assessment and concept through to detailed design and construction.

GDC Group

From Seismic Assessment to Strengthening

Whether you require an ISA, DSA, seismic due diligence, concept strengthening or detailed seismic strengthening design, GDC Group can provide practical engineering advice tailored to the building and its requirements.

Talk to GDC Group about your seismic assessment, strengthening or structural engineering requirements.

Contact Our Team