Guidelines and Standards of Engineering Practice underpin the implementation of new knowledge into engineering practice. They provide the principal mechanism for improving the performance of the built environment against natural hazards, and are also fundamental to achieving long-term resilience of New Zealand society. This programme will address key issues in NZ standards and guidelines that require research-based resolution and advancement. The six inter-related objectives reflect the main thematic areas associated with assessment and design of the built environment: (i) Hazard demands and performance objectives; (ii) Geotechnical hazards and infrastructure; (iii) Existing buildings; (iv) New buildings; (v) Transportation infrastructure; (vi) Ports and coastal infrastructure.
This programme will provide a mechanism for systematic incorporation of research into engineering standards and practices, and will ultimately reduce the gap between the state-of-the-art and the state-of-practice.