Why I’m scared of building collapse
bridges, dams, skyscrapers, theatres and swimming pools. The list is endless and incredible for it not only includes everything we see around us but many things we cannot see – such as the entire drainage system and sewerage system of London.
Regardless of how common concrete is, ultimately it’s no different to other construction materials such as timber or steel. Rules must be followed.
Australia has different rules to the Shaky Isles of New Zealand.
In Australia major earthquakes are uncommon so instead of using cumbersome cages of reinforcing rods inside concrete columns to hold up a concrete floor, they use high tensile rods as tight as piano wires to hold up concrete floors.
This is fine for Australia so long as you allow time for the concrete to ‘‘cure’’.
This didn’t happen. Suddenly there was a roar. It sounded as though a large airliner had crashed into the building.
I knew exactly what was happening and ran the race of my life. I was one of the few survivors to escape from inside the building.
The builders who were working on the floor above sustained injuries but at least they were still alive. The scene of carnage and destruction was horrific.
When people suggest to me that council closed down Anderson House, the Water Tower and the Museum because of fear I assure them that as far as I’m concerned that is exactly the case.
In fact I’m terrified.
I very much doubt if anyone else in Invercargill, beside me, has been inside a collapsing building where your workmates were killed.
Having to identify them is the worst nightmare imaginable.
Even if we only had a minor earthquake or construction accident and a single staff member was killed and I had been informed by a reputable Engineering Company that a Council building was unsafe I would never forgive myself.
Fifty years ago everything was different. No one seemed to worry about 17 workers being killed on the Manapouri Power Project.
We never had ear muffs or safety glasses.
In today’s world we are far more risk adverse and sensitive.
Of course we love our art galleries and museums as they reflect on our heritage and history.
We may not like the new legislation being imposed upon us nor the rate increases that will follow but my view is let’s face up to our responsibilities and get the job done.
Tim Shadbolt is the Mayor of Invercargill