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To achieve widespread implementation of low-damage systems, the economic benefits of such systems must be demonstrated.  This requires a long term outlook and an assessment of life-cycle costs.  To address this need, this strategic project will firstly highlight the potential benefits of adopting a life-cycle costing framework. By applying an assessment framework that permits comparison of both up-front and long-term costs, including future losses from earthquakes, to a selection of case study buildings realized with different design alternatives, it can be demonstrated that life-cycle cost analysis could be used to effectively quantify the improved performance offered by low-damage construction technologies.

Secondly, in order to assist the NZ engineering profession make a smooth transition towards such probabilistic seismic loss assessment, the project proposes to test and develop different simplified loss assessment methods.  

Finally, recognizing that the accuracy of any loss assessment will depend on the quality of the inputs used, the project will identify and develop loss and fragility functions for elements typical of NZ construction practice. 

Key Objectives

Case Study Building Plans