|
Base Isolation
In the 1970's 'base isolators'
were invented by the Department of Science and Industrial Research
in New Zealand. Simultaneously, the advent of digital computers
enabled engineers to model the performance of buildings under
earthquakes more accurately.
Base isolators are like
a suspension system for buildings they seperate a building
from the ground. Lead and rubber bearings are installed which
function much like automobile shock absorbers, isolating the building
from the violent ground movements induced by earthquakes. The
isolation system must be tailored to the buildings characteristics
and this requires accurate simulation of the performance during
an earthquake, a process which requires extensive computing power.
| Holmes Consulting
Group has an impressive track record with base isolation in
America and Australasia. From the first high rise base isolated
building (Union House) in the Southern Hemisphere to the largest
(Te Papa Museum). |
 |
View some of our recent
projects:
|
| The
new Museum of New Zealand. |
|
|
|
| The
Old Bank of New Zealand |
|
| The
refurbishment of four 1900's buildings. |
|
|
|
| New
Zealand Parliament Buildings |
|
| The
seismic refurbishment of 1900's Parliament Buildings. |
|
|
|
|
