The Newcastle Earthquake and the Masonry Structures Code AS3700

Australian Earthquake Engineering Society Conference, newcastle

REFERENCE

Page A.W. (2019). The Newcastle Earthquake and the Masonry Structures Code AS3700. In the proceedings of the Australian Earthquake Engineering Society Conference, Newcastle, Australia

Scope and methodology

• Lessons learnt from the 1989 Newcastle earthquake

• Outcomes of subsequent research, to amend the design provisions of the Masonry Structures Code AS3700

• Provide a basis for ensuring the future satisfactory performance of masonry structures in an earthquake

• Focus in particular on cavity-wall residential buildings and performance of cavity ties

FINDINGS

• There was no perceived earthquake risk prior the 1989 Newcastle Earthquake

• A significant proportion of the earthquake damage to masonry structure was caused by poor detailing, workmanship and construction practices, including the lack of tying and support, corrosion of ties and fitments, low bond strength and generally poor workmanship.

• The updated Australian masonry standard addressed many of these issues which should assist in producing better quality masonry with adequate seismic performance