Research & Innovation

Research & Innovation

Earthquake Research

UC is committed to the Canterbury Recovery.

The major focus within the Canterbury region over the next fifteen years will be the rebuilding of Christchurch.  The University of Canterbury is committed to being an integral part of the rebuilding process through providing high quality research to underpin the recovery effort.

 

Marlène Villeneuve – Department of Geological Sciences

Port Hills Geotechnical Group - Understanding Co-seismic Slope Failure Mechanisms in the Port Hills

At the University of Canterbury we are uniquely placed to conduct world-class research into slope response to earthquakes using the large amount of field data arising from the failures in the Port Hills. The outcomes of this research will have implications for the rebuild and future land-use planning, both in Christchurch and elsewhere in New Zealand. Four concurrent research projects are currently underway;

  • Investigating rock-cliff collapse in the Redcliffs/Peacock’s Gallup areas
  • Rockfall hazard at Rapaki
  • Rockfall hazard around the Port Hills,
  • Splitting/cracking of valley-floor.

Continuing research will focus on the impact of slope geometry and rock and soil material properties on seismic response. State of the art techniques are being employed to conduct this research, including LIDAR, photogrammetry, numerical modeling, GIS, 3-D simulation and plenty of engineering geology fieldwork.
The goal is to provide sound scientific understanding for creating a safer Christchurch and New Zealand.

To learn more about the science behind the Canterbury earthquakes check out the UC Geological Sciences website

 

Earthquake related research at UC

Earthquake research is being conducted in almost every department within the University, from Engineering to Social and Political Sciences. Overall there are 170 projects, many of which are directly contributing to the recovery of Canterbury. The full list of projects is here:

UC Earthquake Research 2012 (XLS, 225KB)

 

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Earthquake related activities and events

 

2012 Earthquake Forum - "Rockfall, Relationships and Resilience"

The 2012 Earthquake Forum is scheduled for June 5th.

 

The Inaugrual Earthquake Research Forum was held on the 2nd of September 2011 at the University of Canterbury


The RHISE Group: Researching the Health Implications of Seismic Events

The Rhise Group (PDF, 66KB) invite interested researchers working on health related research to join their group.

 

6th Australasian Hazards Management Conference

Date: 21-22 August 2012
Location: University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
http://www.hazardseducation.org/conference/2012/2012index.php

 

Opportunities for research/partnering

Contact Jessica Petersen
Earthquake Research Facilitator
earthquakeresearch@canterbury.ac.nz