Christchurch Art Gallery Base-Isolation Retrofit Project, Christchurch

By Ruamoko

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Christchurch Art Gallery Base-Isolation Retrofit Project, Christchurch banner

The base-isolation retrofit of the iconic Christchurch Art Gallery building was an inspiring and technically challenging project with a highly successful outcome. The retrofit of 140 triple friction-pendulum base-isolators returned the seismic strength of the gallery to current building code levels without the need for any strengthening of the superstructure, and provided increased protection for its precious contents to reinstate the national and international reputation of the Christchurch Art Gallery. 

Ruamoko Solutions was engaged by Fulton Hogan for their design-build tender on this project and carried out detailed structural design to completion. This required the analysis of the ground floor and basement structure to identify areas where structural strengthening and intervention work was required to meet the demands of the new isolators. The implementation of these devices required bespoke and innovative solutions to strengthen existing columns and retrofit supporting structure for floors, beams, walls, ramps, lifts and stairwells in the basement.

The project was on time and to budget to deliver one of the safest and most quake resilient galleries in the world to a delighted client. The project won a number of awards, including a silver award at the 2016 ACENZ Innovate NZ Awards.

Architect: Warren & Mahoney | Contractor: Fulton Hogan | Photography: John Collie

Main gallery foyer during construction
Seismic trench construction adjacent to the iconic western sculptural façade
Triple curvature base isolation devices delivered to the Christchurch Art Gallery basement for installation

Professionals used in
Christchurch Art Gallery Base-Isolation Retrofit Project, Christchurch

About the
Professional

Ruamoko Solutions is an award-winning specialist New Zealand based consulting structural engineering firm.

At Ruamoko Solutions, we take structure seriously. It is our passion, and our speciality, and we have developed a reputation for innovative solutions which is reflected in the numerous industry awards we have received. 

Our specialised interest in earthquake engineering and strong ties to cutting-edge research has placed us in a prominent position following the recent Canterbury Earthquakes. We have led the way in pioneering seismic design for the Christchurch rebuild including the first post-earthquake use of base-isolation, PRESSS and other damage avoidance technology, such as the world’s first bolted-link EBF seismic frames.

We understand the team environment and enjoy working as part of a team with architects, owners, developers, consultants and contractors to develop the best all-round solutions for building projects.

Our vision: 

Exceptional results | Exceptional projects | Exceptional thinking | Exceptional people