Seismic Design Seminar Non-Structural Elements: From Research to Real-World Design – Dunedin
November 25 @ 1:00 am - 4:00 pm
2026 Seminar Series
Seismic Design Seminar
Non-Structural Elements: From Research to Real-World Design
Dunedin
25 November 2026
Why attend
Non-structural elements are critical to life safety, building functionality and seismic resilience, yet their design and coordination remain challenging. Our understanding of their seismic performance has advanced significantly in recent years through new research, full-scale testing (at component, subassembly and building levels) and observations from recent earthquakes.
Alongside updated industry guidance, these developments are changing how non-structural elements should be designed, coordinated and reviewed. The seminar will explain what we have learnt, how it is reflected in the new Code of Practice, and what it means for current projects.
Who should attend
This seminar is intended for structural engineers, services engineers, architects, contractors, specialist suppliers, building consent officials and asset owners involved in the design, procurement, review and management of non-structural elements.
The seminar assumes a basic understanding of building design and construction but does not require specialist expertise in non-structural seismic design. While particularly relevant to projects where resilience and post-earthquake functionality are key considerations, the content is applicable to all building types in New Zealand.
Seminar Content
This seminar brings together lessons from earthquake reconnaissance, research, full-scale static/dynamic testing and industry practice to provide practical guidance on the seismic performance of non-structural elements. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of current industry requirements, emerging developments and proven approaches for designing, coordinating and reviewing resilient, compliant and cost-effective solutions.
Earthquake Reconnaissance and Real-World Performance
Lessons from recent earthquakes and site investigations, including common failure mechanisms and implications for NZ projects.
- Common damage observations and trends
- Drivers of repair costs and downtime
- Performance of critical facilities
- Lessons for designers and owners
Understanding the New Code of Practice
How the recently released Code of Practice for the Seismic Performance of Non-Structural Elements can be applied in practice.
- Purpose and how to apply to your projects
- Roles and responsibilities for design, consenting and coordination
- Practical implementation examples
- Seismic verification of equipment
- Applying technical guidance for seismic design of NSEs
Research, Testing and Emerging Knowledge
Recent research, testing programmes and proposed code developments that are shaping industry practice.
- Progress made on NSE research in New Zealand
- Development of low-damage partitions, ceilings, claddings
- Full-scale ROBUST low-damage building shake-table testing
- NCREE (Taiwan) shake-table testing of 5-storey building with multiple non-structural components
- Dynamic tests on plants and equipment
- Key findings influencing design guidance
Practical Design, Coordination and Documentation
Delivering resilient non-structural solutions through effective design coordination and project delivery.
- Proposed NZS 1170.5 changes and their implications
- Seismic restraint strategies
- Multidisciplinary coordination
- Design documentation and specifications
- Procurement and quality assurance
- Case studies and lessons learned
Speaker Profiles
Andrew Baird
Senior Associate Structural Engineer, Beca
Andrew is the leader of Beca’s Seismic Restraint Team and co-lead author of the Code of Practice for the Seismic Performance of Non-Structural Elements. He specialises in the seismic performance of non-structural elements and has a strong interest in improving building resilience through better design, coordination and industry practice. Andrew has played a leading role in the development of industry guidance, standards and publications relating to non-structural seismic design, and is passionate about delivering practical, efficient and holistic solutions that help owners and communities achieve better resilience and post-earthquake functionality.
Jan Stanway
Technical Director – Marine and Building Structures, WSP
Jan has been a consulting structural engineer for over 30 years and is a national leader in the seismic performance of non-structural elements in new and existing buildings. She is one of the lead authors of the NZ Non-Structural Elements Code of Practice, a co-author of the MBIE Low Damage Design Guidelines and the Health New Zealand Structural and Geotechnical Technical Guidelines for the design of new hospitals, and sits on the code committee developing the new ASCE Standard for non-structural component shake-table testing, which focuses on equipment functionality and structural integrity following shake-table testing.
Prof. Rajesh Dhakal
Head of Civil & Environmental Engineering Department, University of Canterbury
Rajesh is a Professor of Structural/Earthquake Engineering, internationally recognised for his research on reinforced concrete buildings and the seismic performance of non-structural elements (SPONSE). He has led New Zealand’s non-structural elements research since the 2010-11 Canterbury earthquakes, including the MBIE-funded Building Innovation Partnership workstream, the 2024 ROBUST shaking-table test in China, and the NCREE five-storey building test in Taiwan. He served as President of the International SPONSE Association (2021-2025), is a five-time recipient of the NZSEE Otto Glogau Award, a Fellow of NZSEE and Engineering New Zealand, and has been Editor-in-Chief of the NZSEE Bulletin since 2014.
Venues
| Location | Date | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christchurch | 24 Nov | 1:00–4:00pm | University of Canterbury, John Britten 102 Conference foyer |
| Dunedin | 25 Nov | 1:00–4:00pm | WSP Dunedin, 197 Rattray Street |
| Auckland | 1 Dec | 9:00am–12:00pm | University of Auckland, Newmarket Campus |
| Taupō | 2 Dec | 1:00–4:00pm | WSP Taupo, 80 Tūwharetoa Street |
| Wellington | 4 Dec | 9:00am–12:00pm | Massey University, 50 Tasman Street, Mount Cook |
Terms & Conditions
- Cancellations made 14 or more days before the event date will be refunded in full, less a 10% administration fee.
- Cancellations made 7–13 days before the event date will receive a 50% refund of the ticket price.
- Cancellations made within 7 days of the event date are non-refundable.
- Ticket transfers are welcome. Please notify tech.groups@engineeringnz.org at least 24 hours before the event, including the new attendee’s name and contact details.
