Earthquake testing in a giant shaking lab in China

Image: Supplied

New Zealand engineers and researchers have been at one of the world's biggest earthquake laboratories in Shanghai to test low-impact solutions for earthquake resilience.

The Chinese lab at Tongji University can simulate the effect of earthquakes on three-storey buildings and is one of the world's biggest laboratories of its type. Engineers and researchers from the Earthquake Commission, Building Research Association of New Zealand and Auckland and Canterbury universities took their building innovations to test at the Chinese facility.

Professor Greg MacRae, who co-ordinated the ongoing research, spoke to Kathryn about some of the innovations. The Earthquake Commission's head of research Natalie Balfour joined the conversation and spoke about how the research could be used to improve earthquake strengthening and building resilience.

Click below to listen to the interview or follow the link to the RNZ site.

Exciting update for ROBUST research!

HERA and HERA Foundation are thrilled to share that the large-scale experimental component of the ROBUST test programme was very successfully completed this week at the International Laboratories for Earthquake Engineering (ILEE) laboratories of Tongji University, Jiading campus in Shanghai, China!

This is the last of 9 configurations that were planned for testing. It uses a friction moment frame in one direction and a friction braced frame in the other direction. The tested building contains a large range of building non-skeletal elements (NSEs) like building cladding, partition walls, ceilings, sprinkler piping, and typical office building contents.

The final shake involved shaking with a peak ground acceleration of 0.88g in each direction simultaneously (significantly larger than the 0.55g recorded in the Christchurch earthquakes), the structure performed well. The fundamental response period of the structure after the shaking remained unchanged from that at the beginning of the testing.

Moving forward from this major milestone, ngā kairangahau (researchers) will now delve into data analysis and further testing to deepen our understanding of structural behaviour, paving the way for more resilient building designs in the face of seismic events.

Prof. Gregory MacRae saying: "As we reflect on the journey spanning seven years, filled with countless discussions, designs, and challenges, I think of the resilience not just of our structures but also of our team. It's been a learning experience like no other, fostering camaraderie and mutual appreciation among all involved. On behalf of the ROBUST team, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support from our sponsors and collaborators since the inception of this project in 2017."

#SeismicResearch #StructuralEngineering #ConstructionScience #SeismicSafety #BuildingResilience #ConstructionTech BRANZ, Earthquake Commission (EQC Group), the Building Innovation Partnership, the Tertiary Education Commission funded Te Hiranga Rū QuakeCoRE. The University of Auckland (UA). Auckland University of Technology (AUT), the University of Canterbury (UC), and the NZ Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) , and Liang-Jiu JIA (Chinese PI, Tongji University) on behalf of the full team including Charles Clifton (UoA), Rajesh Dhakal (UoC), Shahab Ramhormozian (AUT), Geoff Rodgers (UoC), Pierre Quenneville (UoA), and Ping Xiang (Tongji University), Zhenduo Yan (Project Manager, AUT)

Donations of materials are provided by ComFlor (Steel & Tube Holdings Ltd), Hilti Group, TRACKLOK®, Gripple, Lanyon & LeCompte Construction Ltd, and Alutech Windows & Doors Ltd. Expertise has been generously provided by a number of Chinese and NZ industry representatives. The authors gratefully acknowledge this support. Opinions expressed are those of the authors alone. The QuakeCoRE paper number is 0948.

Taken from the HERA Linked In feed.

TIMBA + RETRO = PLUS

NEW TRACKLOK® PLUS - IT'S HERE!


The team at TRACKLOK® are focussed on making seismic bracing easy.



Easy to specify, easy to source, easy to consent and easy to install and inspect.



We’ve been listening to installers, who have told us that the DEFLOK® plate is easy to screw off, it gives better access to screw ports and clearance for your screw gun.



So, we redesigned, tested and have now changed all RETRO and TIMBA products to become TRACKLOK® PLUS!



This will apply to the TRACKLOK® VERT and TRACKLOK® FLAT ranges too.


TRACKLOK® PLUS for steel and aluminium head tracks plus timber top plates are now available at all NZ distributors – ask for it by name.

Why Testing Matters

Why Testing Matters

The team at TRACKLOK® have been testing since early 2013 to ensure compliance to New Zealand, Australian and Californian codes.

For the GRIDLOK® seismic ceiling bracing we have continually tested from 2016 through to 2022.

A LinkedIn post from Jeff Fahrensohn, Manager Inspections at Auckland Council last week piqued our interest and in particular this quote:

“the challenge comes when an unknown, untested, or uncertified product is proposed and the compliance information provided (if any), does not provide enough evidence to demonstrate how it complies with the building code.”

Our robust testing has ensured GRIDLOK® avoids the deficiencies of conventional options, including inaccurate edge clearance for screw placements, questionable connection to ceiling systems and lack of design translation to onsite installation.

Seismic bracing specifications based purely on cold rolled steel codes and/or no physical testing at all, do not provide for the resilience required in our built environment.

Plus the absence of testing guidelines in this space is a concern all.

The team at TRACKLOK® Ltd propose that our commitment to rigorous testing, working with dedicated professionals and 8 years of successful installs around the world, has resulted in a body of work on which you can rely.

You can have trust specifying and installing GRIDLOK® ceiling bracing - 100%.

In fact make it the default specification to protect your business and your clients - Revit files available online.

We hope one day this body of work may provide the much needed testing template to ensure so called alternatives, are actually that.

Because at TRACKLOK® - #TestingMatters

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Healthcare Sector Expertise Goes Global

Seismic risks to hospitals have been in the news lately, highlighting the importance of seismic resilience in our critical community structures.

TRACKLOK®, GRIDLOK® and DEFLOK® for non-structural wall and ceiling systems are designed and tested for these types of projects, our first being Burwood Hospital in 2016.

Extensive testing and growing use have resulted in us obtaining preapprovals in California from the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI). We are now specified and installed in major US healthcare organizations as the preferred solution, and the only bracing solution with this level of approval and acceptance.

These solutions are patented, in broad use, and have been embraced by contractors for the ease of installation and reduction in cost, while being more resilient than conventional systems.

Our seismic solutions for hospitals are applicable to performance-based and prescriptive building codes.

Our products are tested to provide seismic bracing for post disaster function hospitals, in both performance based and prescriptive building code frameworks, and this has been internationally accredited to the highest standard.

Please click here to see OPM from HCAI
OPM O544 GRIDLOK®
OPM 0377 for TRACKLOK® (BRACELOK® in the USA)

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Eva Parkinson - Behind the Plans

I’ve been a part of the TRACKLOK® team for a year now and it's been awesome!

My role at TRACKLOK® involves assessing clients' plans against our engineering principles and applying our interior partition wall bracing system.

It’s always really exciting to see new projects come across our desk.

I’m third year Structural Engineering at University of Auckland, loving the work, and TRACKLOK® has been incredibly beneficial for my professional development.

I love solving challenging problems, I’m intrigued by the design of structures and one

of my passions is sustainability - I'm looking forward to seeing what's to come in the engineering and construction space.

You can find me at plans@tracklok.com or upload your plans for a FREE mark up on our online portal.

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NEW - TRACKLOK® Bracing Guide 2021

2021 Bracing Guide - New

The team at TRACKLOK® have been busy finishing off a long-awaited project. We’ve been reviewing our latest testing, product updates and talking with construction professionals, to make sure we’re delivering the best seismic bracing guidance.

As a result, we have refined and updated the TRACKLOK® Bracing Guide for 2021.

Get a full digital copy available here.

Or, if you prefer a condensed, printed version to be sent to you, let us know.

GRIDLOK® Install Video - New

Check out the new GRIDLOK® Install Video - seismic bracing of ceiling systems made simple and efficient.

BOINZ Conference 2021

A very special shout out to the Building Officials Institute of New Zealand (BOINZ). COVID cancelled the BOINZ conference in 2020 and a great event was cut short by COVID again this year – simply brutal!

But, it was impressive to see the team at BOINZ get up, dust themselves off and move an entire awards ceremony and conference to a digital platform – BOINZ TV.

We enjoyed participating and took great pleasure in sponsoring the “Unsung Hero Award” to a most deserving recipient.

Collaboration and Testing Matters

Collaboration Works

The team at TRACKLOK® have been involved in Commercial Bay on Auckland’s waterfront. This project was completed in a difficult Covid environment, but it’s safe to say the addition to the skyline is welcome.

As always in our industry there is a lot that went on behind the scenes and this recent article shows how collaboration in the real-world works.

Click here to read more.

#TestingMatters

We’ve been working with our international accreditation inspectors during the annual review of our quality control and manufacturing operations.

Our HCAI (OSHPD) certification in the US is proof that we have fully tested our solutions under rigorous requirements.

This process shows our commitment to the high standards you expect from TRACKLOK® and GRIDLOK® products here in NZ and offshore.

Specify and install with the confidence of performance you deserve.

NZSEE2021

If ever there was an indication of how well New Zealand has been doing during the global pandemic – then the NZSEE2021 conference is it!

TRACKLOK® were pleased to be one of many exhibitors at the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering conference at the University of Canterbury.

The NZSEE advances the science and practice of earthquake engineering and the focus of this conference was on turning challenges into a positive legacy – something we can relate to.

A great opportunity to connect with dedicated professionals committed to resilience in our built environment.

Commercial Bay Suspended Ceilings: Collaboration in Action

Working, shopping, eating and drinking -  life has certainly become more glamorous since the completion of the $1 billion Commercial Bay development last year. 

Commercial Bay is now a destination of international standards, and when our borders open again, it will be there to welcome global travellers. In the meantime, Kiwis are free to enjoy the luxury of this vibrant area, from prestige sailing events (go Team NZ!) to the best eateries, watering holes and retail experiences on offer.

Almost a decade in the making, there were many contributors to this new Auckland destination.

Commercial Bay’s Interior Design and Construction Team
The Commercial Bay development was commissioned back in 2013 by owners Precinct Properties. Kiwi architects, Warren and Mahoney led the architectural design and Fletcher Construction were engaged to manage the construction, which began in 2016.  

Fletcher Construction selected Apex Interiors for the supply and installation of all suspended ceilings in the tower - some 30,000m2 in total. BVT was delighted to once again partner with Apex to provide the engineering solutions for the seismic restraint of all ceiling elements, with our friends at TRACKLOK® chosen to supply bracing.

It started off as an ordinary day
The project started as a standard engagement. BVT and Apex worked together to design, rationalise and optimise the base build ceiling design. Then came the curveball, the realisation that the choice of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC system) was going to cause an issue. 

Chilled beams, essentially large heavy beams running hot or cold water for temperature control, had been chosen. Whilst highly effective, chilled beams are also very heavy. To comply with the building standards, the chilled beams needed to be independently restrained. This meant a 50mm clearance would be required between each of the restrained elements, resulting in a gap around each beam, ruining the aesthetic and having significant cost implications.  

This was not an option. The project had hit a brick wall.

BVT, Apex and TRACKLOK® put their heads together to design a solution. The proposal? To integrate the bracing of the chilled beam units with the bracing of the ceiling. By sharing the same brace there would be no need for separation.

However, an idea is one thing but an approved workable plan is another. And so began a collaborative design period where Apex, BVT and TRACKLOK® worked together to create the initial concept and the componentry required to bring this idea to life. Keeping a tight eye on cost implications, the standard brace components were used and an attachment was designed to work with it.

BVT completed design work for each of the brace components, including the finite element analysis for each design, and this was wrapped up together as a design concept. The concept and the calculations were solid, but the question remained, would it work with the chilled beam system?

Off to Sweden! 
The design concept was then sent to the manufacturer of the chilled beams in Sweden. The chilled beams were to form part of the solution because they would share a brace with the ceiling. This combined brace would be subjected to certain loads under a seismic event which the chilled beam would be required to withstand.

Drawings and calculations are important, but there is no substitute for real life testing. The manufacturers undertook actual physical testing to verify the pull-out strength of the componentry used and as a result the number of rivets in base plates needed to be increased. The manufacturers were able to make subtle adjustments to their manufacturing as it was still in the design phase, to provide the required strength for the units.

The next step was to rationalise the final design to ensure it could work from a seismic performance perspective and be manufactured at a viable price point. Once this was determined, the concept of using ceiling braces for both ceiling and chilled beams was put forward for approval and accepted by the client.

TRACKLOK® were able to then progress with the manufacture of componentry. TRACKLOK® worked with Apex to determine a schedule for supplying pre-made kits for installers to ensure the installation progressed smoothly once it started.

Construction Monitoring - creating a library and saving on cost
BVT was responsible for undertaking the construction monitoring of the ceiling installations throughout the project. As so often happens, there is a gap between the plan and the execution in construction. When the construction is a 30 level high rise building, there was plenty of opportunity for service clashes and variations. This led to the need for plenty of custom solutions to be created on a case-by-case basis. 

It was an added cost designing, testing and validating each individual variation along the way, so a library was developed to re-use any work completed. All variations became part of the standard design document so when a clash was encountered, the Apex team could consult the library and find a solution. The library provided significant savings for both time and money. 

This project was definitely a case of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. The Commercial Bay project was full of complexity, and required novel approaches. Having specialists from three disciplines jointly producing a tailored solution was only a possibility because all three groups were happy to work as one. The solution worked because of the personal relationships and trust that had been developed over time, the culture of collaboration between the three companies and a shared single objective. What a great template for our industry!

On the road for Kidney Kids

In 2020 Lewis Stronge from TRACKLOK® began a self-supported, 30-day mountain bike ride from Cape Reinga to Bluff called Tour Aotearoa - just before Level 4 lockdown stopped him in Wakefield.

So, he’s starting again from Wakefield on Tuesday 23rd March and hopes to be in Bluff for Easter. That’s only 1200km and 12000 meters of climbing to go!! Including the Haast Pass and Crown Range! As part of this long crazy ride, Lew hopes to raise some money for Kidney Kids, a charity very close to his family.

Visit Lew’s Give a Little page if you wish to donate to this worthy cause.

Visit his Instagram page or follow his cycle tour progress.

DEFLOK® takes off

We have seen a great response from construction professionals to the DEFLOK® wall bracing system. There have been a few questions, so here are some answers:

Q: What DEFLOK® unit is used for steel, aluminum and timber?
A: We have progressed our base configuration so you can order DEFLOK® and use the same unit for both steel, aluminum and timber applications.

Q: Can I use DEFLOK® for aluminium partition suites and glazing lines?
A: Yes, in fact many aluminium suites don’t have the same vertical deflection allowance as steel deflection tracks, so DEFLOK® is ideal for aluminium.

Q: How much vertical deflection does DEFLOK® account for?
A: DEFLOK® accounts for +/- 35mm of vertical deflection.

Q: How do we know the capacity of the DEFLOK® system?
A: We tested DEFLOK® at full extension, its weakest position, giving us a true capacity.

Q: Can I replace TRACKLOK® with DEFLOK®?
A: Yes, it has been designed to be a direct swap - if you are completing a project where TRACKLOK® is specified, but perhaps the top floor is under a purlin roof requiring vertical deflection allowance, then you can use DEFLOK® at the same centers.

TRACKLOK® Supply and Manufacturing

As the coronavirus outbreak rattles the global economy, companies across nearly every industry are confronting disruption in their supply chains.

TRACKLOK® Ltd  manufactures here in NZ and does not source components from countries currently experiencing the disruption caused by Covid-19.

Our supply capabilities remain unaffected and our customers will not be impacted. Our thoughts are with those affected by this disruption and we hope for a speedy return to normality.

If you have any questions please contact scott@tracklok.com

USA Two Years On: Certifications and Where We Go From Here

The team at TRACKLOK® welcomes back Scott Simpson our Technical Director from secondment in the USA. Based in sunny California, Scott has been working for 18 months with our partners to gain international certification for the world leading range of TRACKLOK® and GRIDLOK® products. 

No small feat and no small investment of time and money, but worth it when you have the chance to change the built environment for the better.

With TRACKLOK® active in the US construction market, Scott reflects on the challenges, the incredible outcomes achieved and where we go from here.

Q: How does the US market compare to NZ and Australia from a regulatory perspective?

Scott: There is a distinct difference between our performance based regulatory system and the prescriptive system in the USA. First thing you notice is the depth of understanding all project stakeholders have of what is required of them in the USA. There is very little ambiguity around codes and therefore the variability in interpretation from design professionals is minimised. I will say that the performance based system that we have in New Zealand and Australia does promote ingenuity and “new ways” of doing things, but personally I believe being left open to interpretation can lead to some “gilding the lily”, whether intentionally or not.

Q: What was the biggest learning you took from your time testing in the US?

Scott: Physical testing is so important, and getting the test methodology correct is paramount. Our team worked hard to gain consensus on the way we need to test to ensure a narrow band of variability.

Q: What was the most challenging testing you oversaw?

Scott: Undoubtedly the OSHPD OPM pre-approval program. By getting through all of that testing and providing the analysis of the data we have a certification which is comprehensive. OSHPD approval means that the design professional of record knows that submitting the OPM means that the detail in it will require no further review as submitted. Our testing and analysis came through in the end and our OPM for BRACELOK® was issued and shortly we will be proudly displaying our OPM for GRIDLOK®. The beautiful thing for me was seeing the validity of concept and capacity of product shine through in the most rigorous testing regime on the planet. I was also very happy to have worked with a team of skilled individuals to further develop our test plan to ensure it represents the built environment.

Q: What does it mean, in real terms, to develop such a test plan?

Scott: I firmly believe that this test plan we have developed will revolutionise the way in which we talk about non-structural bracing. It will benefit engineers by allowing the level of interpretation of our local codes to be minimised, meaning more consistency in approach, based on data. It will benefit the contractors by assuring them that the products and designs they are faced with have consistency and buildability. It’s a game changer.

As part of the continual journey of testing we have at TRACKLOK®, we have not only completed the testing to the rigorous US codes, we have also developed and refined the test methodology for how to test ceiling bracing. There have been many attempts over the years by various groups and individuals, however our passion for perfection has won though.

We are now looking to our home country regulators to share our learnings and help to improve clarity in this space. We believe it’s time there was an agreed standard test regime that allows for innovation, yet reduces the variability inherent in our performance based system. Engineers throughout New Zealand and Australia would have the data to narrow the gap of variability that currently persist from one project to the next.

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Connect with Scott on LinkedIn

Email him: scott@tracklok.com

Or a call: 021 111 6107

FREE Plan Mark Up now online

The team at TRACKLOK® have been meeting with construction professionals to assess how we can help with accuracy in consent, pricing and compliance.

It’s clear our FREE Plan Mark Up Service has provided confidence pre-tender – but we always believe we can do better!

So, we’ve put in the hard work and our FREE Plan Mark Up Service is now online.

Simply provide the details required, upload your reflected ceiling plan (RCP) and receive confirmation that the team are getting to work straight away.

Take advantage of our new streamlined plans service and allow us to mark out TRACKLOK® and DEFLOK™ positions for clarity in consent, pricing and compliance.

DEFLOK™ is here!

DEFLOK™ RETRO & DEFLOK™ TIMBA

After two years of development (and a couple of hurdles along the way) we’re pleased to present to the market our new bracing system - DEFLOK™.

Traditional timber and proprietary aluminium head and glazing tracks have limited to no vertical deflection capabilities. DEFLOK™ gives these systems the ability to allow for + or - 35mm of vertical deflection whilst still maintaining all the lateral brace attributes of the standard TRACKLOK® range. This eliminates the requirement for a bulkhead over aluminium glazing lines.

Although TRACKLOK® FLAT does allow partitions to deal with unlimited vertical deflection, due to its unique design, it does have some wall weight and length limitations. DEFLOK™ provides vertical movement allowance of + or - 35mm, while effectively restraining walls up to 40kg per m2 over any length of wall. If the walls on your project are over 40kg per m2 contact our friendly TRACKLOK® technical team for advise on the appropriate bracing layout for you.

Traditional steel deflection tracks are a fantastic way to allow for + or - 20mm of vertical deflection, combined with DEFLOK™ you can achieve a huge 110mm or + or - 55mm of total vertical deflection.

DEFLOK™ does not require prior assembly, it’s a sealed unit that will not fall apart, bind or protrude into the glazing pocket.

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TRACKLOK® bracing systems are extensively researched, developed and tested - we are committed to all aspects of the process, from the engineering to the ease of installation. We pride ourselves indeveloping products that have and continue to secure global accreditations so you can specify and install with confidence.

TRACKLOK® - Innovators not imitators.

Tremors felt in Australia after 7.3-magnitude earthquake in Indonesia

A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near to Indonesia's Tanimbar islands in the Banda Sea Monday, with tremors being felt as far away as northern Australia.

The earthquake hit at a depth of about 208 kilometers (129 miles), according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). That's considered an intermediate depth, meaning the quake was less likely to cause shaking on land than one closer to the Earth's surface.

Still, residents in the Australian city of Darwin, approximately 720 kilometers away (450 miles), said they could feel shaking due to the seismic activity.

For the full article click the link below.

CDHB aims for November opening for new hospital building

In a matter of months, helicopters carrying seriously injured and unwell patients will be able to land on the roof of a building at Christchurch Hospital.

The Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) aims to start treating patients in the new Christchurch Hospital, Hagley building – formerly known as the acute services building – from November. The building features a helipad on its roof, meaning patients will be able to be airlifted directly to hospital instead of being transferred from Hagley Park.

For the full article click the link below.

Design of non-structural building elements for earthquake forces

During an earthquake, the performance of non-structural building elements may significantly impact the level of risk posed to building occupants, both directly and indirectly.

In addition to potentially causing injury through collapse, poorly or unrestrained non-structural elements can rupture pipework (which may lead to failure of a fire sprinkler system), short electrical equipment (which may start a fire) and block exit paths.

The collapse of non-structural elements may also compromise the structural elements of a building, rendering the building un-occupiable and resulting in significant repair costs and lost productivity.

For the full article click the link below.

New warning video released of 'high risk' megathrust quake expected off Hawke's Bay

A new and chilling video has been released warning of the anticipated "megathrust" earthquake which may strike near the eastern coast of the North Island.

The first Hikurangi Response Plan educational video features practical tips on how to better prepare for a large earthquake and tsunami.

The four-minute clip has been prepared by East Coast LAB (Life at the Boundary), a programme trying to educate the public, especially those living on the coast near the Hikurangi plate boundary.

It warns New Zealand sits on a subduction zone similar to Japan, and people should be prepared for the next large earthquake and tsunami.

For the full article click the link below.

TRACKLOK® Evolves

The team at TRACKLOK® have been working hard in the USA for the last two years testing our products to achieve ICC accreditation – no small feat!

We are close to achieving this goal.

As part of this process we have been required to change the material TRACKLOK® products are made from. We have complied and will be making TRACKLOK® in steel going forward.

We have also tested with a reduced number of screws in the fly plate and top connectors of TRACKLOK®, TRACKLOK® RETRO and TRACKLOK® TIMBA.

This has been a success.

The “new” TRACKLOK® products will only require 4 x 10-gauge wafer tek screws in each connection point to the steel stud, reducing the amount of screws required to brace!

We will run out the aluminium stock and steel will begin to filter through. Plus, we will be updating images and design guides with the new look.

As we do, please note that both the aluminium and the new steel versions comply to AS/NZS1170 and provide the same capacity.

Contact your local TRACKLOK® distributor – they have samples and stock ready for you.

Welcome back

The team at TRACKLOK® wish you very Happy and Prosperous New Year and welcome to 2019 - it has been an amazing summer season, complimented by fantastic weather. If it’s your first day back at work after a decent break, then lucky you! If you’ve been back at work for a while, then we hope you are enjoying the weather before and after work.

All of us at TRACKLOK® have been working hard over the summer break, ensuring the availability of TRACKLOK® and GRIDLOK® products here in New Zealand and Australia.

We have also been involved in a robust test program based in California, which will help us provide these great solutions to the US market. Our testing in the USA was successful and our accreditation is progressing well. One of the benefits of testing to USA codes and requirements has been to verify what we already know about the capacity and performance of TRACKLOK® and GRIDLOK®, while learning a few new things.

We will have more updates about these learnings soon and we look forward to sharing them with you.

In the meantime, if you or your clients have any questions please contact us and remember to take advantage of our FREE TRACKLOK® Mark Up Service.