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Welcome to Compusoft Engineering Ltd.

We are a team of highly skilled consulting engineers providing independent analysis and design services for clients in the civil, structural and mechanical engineering professions and associated industries.

Feature Project: CTV Building Collapse, Forensic Seismic Assessment, Christchurch, NZ

The Canterbury Television (CTV) building tragically collapsed during the Lyttelton Earthquake in February 2010 taking the lives of 115 people.

Compusoft Engineering Ltd. (CEL) was responsible for the Inelastic Time History Analyses used as part of the forensic investigation into the collapse. Results were used to determine trends in building behaviour, the likely failure hierarchy, and to investigate the effects of cumulative damage resulting from sequential earthquakes.

Best practice and the latest research was used to determine the likely performance of the structural elements. This combined with state of the art modelling techniques produced results that were consistent with collapse hypotheses and physical evidence.

Non-linear behaviour incorporated into the analysis included, frame hinging, wall yielding, rocking, diaphragm disconnection, floor yielding (in and out of plane), beam column joint behaviour, and masonry strength and stiffness degradation.

In addition, CEL staff acted as expert witnesses during the Canterbury Royal Commission of Enquiry into the Canterbury Earthquakes regarding the analysis and expected performance of the CTV Building.

Latest updates:

Structural testing information added (November 2011) and Publications updated (April 2012)