Three engineering researchers selected for EQC funding

EQC announced the $1 million in funding for 16 projects to help reduce the impact of natural hazards on New Zealanders’ homes, towns and cities.

Sixteen projects have been funded, including research by Dr Max Stephens, Dr Lucan Hogan and Dr Enrique Del Rey Castillo, from the Department for Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Dr Stephens’ work involves studying the application of AI to advance structural performance and resiliency quantification. Dr Hogan’s research is focused on determining ability for ground movement to improve seismic foundation performance through full-scale field testing and Dr Del Rey Castillo investigate seismic strengthening of reinforced concrete walls in existing buildings with fibre reinforced polymer materials.

EQC’s biannual Awards have been given to scientists at Auckland, Victoria, Massey and Canterbury universities, as well as GNS Science, BRANZ and Resilient Organisations.

The focus of the research funding is on three key research areas: better understanding of geological hazards, creating better engineering and improving community resilience.

Head of Resilience Strategy and Research at EQC, Dr Jo Horrocks, says the projects are part of EQC’s annual $17 million of research funding aimed at reducing the impact of natural disasters on people and property.

Along with funding the Biennial Grants, EQC contributes $13 million to the GeoNet natural hazard monitoring system, funds research at universities and supports regional organisations like Determining Volcanic Risk in Auckland and It’s Our Fault in Wellington that bring together natural hazard research with local government decision-makers and emergency managers.