NZSEE Webinar – NZSEE 2026 Best Practice Paper winner: Seismic strengthening of the three-storey URM CApSc building
July 1 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
NZSEE invites you to join a webinar presented by the winner of the NZSEE Conference 2026 Best Practice Paper award.
Title: Seismic Strengthening of the Three-Storey URM CApSc Building
Presented by: Sean Gardiner, Egis
When: Wednesday, 1 July 2026
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Where: Online
Abstract:
The three-storey, bluestone and Oamaru Stone Consumer and Applied Science (CApSc) building (formerly the Home Science Block) at the University of Otago, originally constructed in 1918, was identified as earthquake-prone. The structure is a Category 1 listed heritage building, forming part of the University’s Gothic complex. In 2019, the University committed to a comprehensive seismic strengthening and refurbishment programme designed to be sympathetic to the original heritage fabric. This paper describes the identified seismic vulnerabilities of the unreinforced masonry structure and details the strengthening solutions considered and ultimately adopted. Key lessons learned throughout the assessment and construction process, balancing modern engineering requirements with heritage preservation principles, are presented. The project ensures the building’s continued functionality and long-term enjoyment.
About the Presenter:
Sean is a Christchurch-based structural engineer and a Senior Technical Director at Egis. For this project, he provided technical oversight, undertook project reviews and was ultimately responsible for the works as Producer Statement author, however, would like to acknowledge the significant contributions of James Carter, Clara Caponi, Andrew Aydon, Peter Cammock and others to the project’s success. He recently presented this paper at the NZSEE 2026 conference in Wellington.
