Earthquake tests on cheap, safe multi-storey building 'promising'

By Jamie Small

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Constructing large buildings to be earthquake-resistant is expensive – structures often use imported high-grade steel and engineered timber framing.

The costs are a barrier to construction for developers looking to make a margin on sales or rental when the building is complete.

Li is using materials readily available in New Zealand: a "hybrid system" of commonly-used steel framing and light structural timber.

"The whole idea is to try to combine timber and steel to try and make a stronger system which is able to resist large earthquakes, to try to minimise the damage for mainly multi-storey buildings, mainly for residential applications."

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