Structural safety

A timber building that kept itself centred through major shaking has aced a full‑scale earthquake test with no damage, with more than 60 industry professionals looking on.

How long can our clay dykes withstand severe storms with high waves?

PILIER launched a $13 million flood preparedness and response plan in early 2024 to protect N’Djamena during a high-risk rainy season.

Crack formation in clay layers poses a risk to the safety of dykes, as well as to landfills and other hydraulic infrastructure that rely on clay as a sealing or water-retaining layer. When cracks develop, the risk of failure rises.

For decades, cooling strategies have relied heavily on air conditioning, but this approach is increasingly strained by rising temperatures and growing energy demand.

This paper is based on a field investigation conducted to document the seismic damage and failure mechanisms of traditional Tibetan earth-timber structures, following the Ms 6.8 Tingri earthquake in Tibet, China on 7 January 2025.

In Lismore, New South Wales, flood pumps are replacing old stormwater removal units previously powered by tractors.