Site Analysis

Understanding all the features of a site, using and protecting the best, and minimising the impact of the worst.

Hazards

Potential hazards to buildings include man-made hazards, such as chemical contamination and pollution, and natural hazards, such as storms, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides and erosion, and tsunamis.

For each type of hazard, consider:

  • Has it happened in the past?
  • Could it happen on this site?
  • What is the chance of it happening in future?
  • How much harm or damage could it cause?
  • Does the risk associated with the hazard require further action?

New Zealand Building Code

The New Zealand Building Code is concerned solely with the health and safety of building occupants. It requires that, in the event of a hazard, occupants must be able to evacuate the building safely, but does not require that, after a major hazard such as an earthquake, a building will remain structurally sound. A specific requirement to do so is likely to require a design in excess of NZBC requirements.

More information