A structural engineer doubts major changes to codes for new buildings will emerge from a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Christchurch earthquake.
The inquiry, announced on Monday, will examine among others the CTV and Pyne Gould buildings where there was significant loss of life.
Prime Minister John Key says the scope will be wide enough to look also at future building codes and standards.
But structural and seismic engineer Adam Thornton says sweeping code changes for new buildings for the whole country seem unlikely.
Rather, there may be a toughening up of building controls and a re-evaluation of the acceptable strength levels and timeframes for upgrading existing buildings.
