News.

Managing seismic safety in building projects can be complex, especially when dealing with both new and existing fit-outs. Project managers need to understand the distinction between seismic ratings for existing buildings and seismic design requirements under the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) for new works. This guide helps navigate these complexities, ensuring compliance while balancing client expectations and maintaining seismic integrity.

What are the key updates to the 2024 AWCI Code of Practice for suspended ceilings? As discussed by Matt Bishop and Gye Simkin in a recent webinar, learn about the new design process flowchart, fixed sheet materials, and how project importance levels affect ceiling design. These updates aim to streamline contractor and engineer collaboration, improving safety and efficiency in commercial interiors.

When outsourcing steel production overseas, ensuring material quality can be a challenge, and relying on mill certificates alone might not be enough. Hardness testing offers a simple, cost-effective way to verify steel strength. Using tools like the Leeb hardness tester allows suppliers to perform quick checks and flag potential issues before moving forward. While hardness is a strong indicator of tensile strength, it's best viewed as a "gateway" test. If results don't align with the supplier's claims, it's a signal that more thorough testing is needed to ensure safety and quality.

Brevity has been a key partner to STACKIT for many years, united by a shared passion for engineering, ingenuity, and innovation for racking and shelving.

Brevity was engaged by TSA Management to provide a wide array of non-structural seismic design throughout the Airport Transport Hub structure.

The following webinars cover topics from seismic restraint compliance, updates to industry standards and new ways of working.

Starting at Brevity in a Business Development Coordinator role, Rebecca’s skills have quickly enabled her to grow her role and contribute to the team in a range of ways. Now responsible for ‘inbound sales’ her daily work encompasses the preparation of client briefs as well as contributing to project coordination.

Siamak Mosaferi grew up along the Persian Gulf of Iran and as a result, loves anything to do with the ocean. Arriving in New Zealand with his wife just over a decade ago, he had limited English and almost no contacts. He found himself as a lifeguard at many of Auckland’s most well known pools - Parnell Baths being his favourite.

Waikeria prison redevelopment is a pivotal project for New Zealand and Brevity is proud to have played a key role in this significant national effort, contributing our expertise to ensure the highest standards of safety and design.

Bernadine’s enthusiasm for her work and the loyalty and trust she has developed amongst those she works with have made her a rock within the Brevity team.

In our latest webinar, we discussed the newly drafted Technical Specification TS 1170.5, which brings significant updates to earthquake design actions for commercial interiors. This innovative standard aims to incorporate recent seismic findings and offers a flexible approach for testing its commercial viability before formal integration into the building code. Key insights were shared by Matt Bishop, highlighting the impact on interiors engineering and seismic restraint design, particularly in high-risk areas like Wellington.

Tauranga City Council aims to revitalise the city' centre into a vibrant community space, starting with striking library and community hub.

Meet Georgia Periam, the vibrant force behind Brevity's project delivery team! With a background in photography and a knack for organisation, Georgia seamlessly blends creativity with precision and organisation, making her an invaluable asset to the Brevity team.

One of the stand-out features of the performing arts centre is its main hall, where large sound reflectors are suspended from the ceiling, accompanied by a striking timber halo. These suspended structures not only enhance acoustics but also create an impressive visual spectacle. The seismic design requires close consideration due to their size, shape, weight and the height from which they are suspended.

In the latest installment of Team Brevity's technical webinar series, we delved into the critical topic of seismic assessment for existing non-structural elements in commercial interiors. The webinar, held on March 7, 2024, featured insights from our professional engineer, Suryaraj Salunkhe, and was led by our new business lead, Gye Simkin.