Mieler, D.H.; Uma, S.R.; Wright, K.C. 2014 Overcoming the barriers to uptake of low damage construction : perceptions from researchers, industry professionals, and end users. Lower Hutt, N.Z.: GNS Science. GNS Science report 2014/38 55 p.
Abstract: In the recent earthquakes that struck Canterbury region in New Zealand, many buildings in Christchurch city survived without collapse but the majority of them sustained severe damage and were eventually demolished. The structural and earthquake engineering profession is challenged to address improving community resilience in natural disasters by providing a better built environment. In particular, efforts towards innovative design/ construction solutions with low damage are encouraged. New Zealand has been one of the leading countries in developing many innovative technologies. However, such technically advanced research findings usually face challenges with implementation. Challenges that are specific to New Zealand could be addressed through an integrated approach and improved communication between various sectors. In this report, we have adopted a systemic approach to address the challenges in research uptake towards adopting low damage solutions in building construction. In our model, the 'research uptake' chain includes many nodes such as researchers/innovators, practicing engineers and other players in the building and construction industry. Efforts to close the gaps among research, consulting/construction engineers, policy and end users representing the community traditionally focus on education, training, and/or dissemination of information within each separate arena. Even when such activities are effective, they have the potential to change only one group. Thus they generally fall far short of producing systemic change. Changing the system will require all the groups working together to ask and answer the right questions and to jointly commit to implementation. We have conducted ‘Focus Group’ meetings with participants representing various sectors in order to engage them in developing systemic change. Consequently, while this report summarises views from researchers, design and construction professionals and end-users regarding challenges and changes required within each area, it also proposes joint activities that can be collaboratively undertaken among the organisations to produce systemic changes that can potentially increase ‘research uptake’ in low damage construction. (auth)
