Canterbury Earthquake

For almost half a century, Christchurch has been home to a GIB® distribution centre, plasterboard plant and plaster mill, currently employing more than 50 Cantabrians, and supporting many thousands of contractors and suppliers.

The Canterbury earthquakes severly tested all bracing systems and GIB® systems performed extremely well.  In doing so they protected homes and people from more serious harm.

We are now helping to rebuild an even better Christchurch as GIB® plasterboard interior wall lining systems that are engineered for New zeland conditions will play an important part in this rebuilding process. 

On this page you’ll find links to information that may be of assistance to you. If you cannot find what you require, or need additional information call the GIB® Technical Support Helpline on 0800 100 442.  Also our technical support team, including structural engineers, are available for face-to-face information sessions.  Call the GIB® Helpline to discuss timing and specifics of the information required.

The information available includes:    

• Repairing Earthquake Damaged Wall Linings
An article from Build magazine that outlines how to repair the interior wall linings that have lost stiffness and strength following the Canterbury earthquakes
• Post-Earthquake Performance of Sheet Bracing Elements
A technical report  from Dr Richard Hunt which using results from extensive testing determines the extent of loss of stiffness and strength to a sheet bracing element that has been subjected to an earthquake event
• Guidelines for Earthquake Damaged properties
An information bulletin that gives some general guidelines for repairing GIB® plasterboard linings in wind and earthquake damaged properties
• Repairing Lath and Plaster Walls and Ceilings
An information bulletin that provides general guidelines for assessing  and carrying out remedial work to lathe and plaster walls and ceilings
• Designing Bracing Upgrades
An information bulletin to assist with effectively designing home to improve that bracing performance
• GIB® News articles relating to the Canterbury Earthquakes 
Two articles that detailed some of the damage that buildings incurred and the performance of plasterboard bracing systems.  Article 1 and Article 2