New foundation for buildings on damaged land

8:46 pm on 16 February 2013

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says a new kind of concrete foundation will give more options to Christchurch property owners with damaged land.

Mr Brownlee says the new method will help homeowners who need new foundations for land classed as Technical Category 3 (TC3), which is prone to liquefaction.

Some 28,000 properties are on TC3 land but stronger foundation methods will need to be considered only for those with foundation damage, or houses whose owners wish to make additions.

The new method involves having the floor construction on the ground rather than in it.

Mr Brownlee says a huge amount of geotechnical science has identified significant differences in Christchurch's soils and their propensity to liquefy in major earthquakes.

He says he is pleased companies are trying to find easier and more affordable options for TC3 homeowners.