Ways to rebuild on soft land considered

A group of property owners in central Christchurch hope innovative engineering will enable them to rebuild on soft land in the green-blue zone.

At a workshop this week, engineers and architects discussed ways to rebuild in the area safely and economically.

Land around Peterborough Street is prone to liquefaction and while owners have been given the all clear to rebuild using piles, the price for driving the piles down to solid ground will be too high for many.

A key point of discussion at the workshop was building lightweight structures, so shallower piles can be used, bringing down the cost.
Landscape architect Di Lucas says it has provided hope for property owners who have been considering moving.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/canterbury-earthquake/98550/ways-to-rebuild-on-soft-land-considered