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EN-Aug17-eMag4

Engineers welcome new framework for earthquake-prone buildings Engineers say new legislation marks a step forward in improving New Zealand’s building stock. Structural Engineering Society (SESOC) spokesperson Paul Campbell says July 1 was a positive day for engineers and for Councils. “It’s about having a better framework and tools for assessing buildings, which will help improve our building stock and increase our seismic resilience. It also means a more consistent approach to the management of earthquake-prone buildings. “The new legislation will encourage discussion between owners and engineers on how owners can proactively manage and improve buildings.” New Zealand Society of Earthquake Engineering (NZSEE) president Peter Smith says the new engineering guidelines create a more systematic approach to seismic assessment. “They provide clearer definitions and more detailed guidance on ratings, which will make assessments more consistent. IPENZ chief executive Susan Freeman Greene says building owners looking for an engineer to carry out a seismic assessment should make sure the engineer has received training on the new guidelines. “Building owners should use Chartered Professional Engineers when commissioning seismic assessments. “We recommend that building owners also ask engineers about their experience of that specific type of building and whether they are members of SESOC, NZSEE or NZGS.” 6 August 2017 Valkyrie now street legal - stylish and When Aston Martin and Red Bull announced the Valkyrie last year it grabbed attention, but now a more comprehensive look at the road-legal version is available… featuring unbelievably intricate underbody aerodynamics and a stunning, pared-back interior. The teardrop-shaped cockpit’s upper body surfaces and lower tub contours follow the envelope of space available between the huge full length Venturi tunnels that run either side of the cockpit floor. Drawing huge quantities of air beneath the car to feed the rear diffuser, these tunnels are the key to generating the Aston Martin Valkyrie’s extraordinary levels of downforce while keeping the upper body surfaces free from additional aerodynamic devices that would spoil the purity of the styling. To maximise interior space the seats are mounted directly to the tub, with occupants adopting a reclined ‘feet-up’ position reminiscent of today’s Formula One and Le Mans Prototype race cars, ensuring driver and passenger are extremely safe, perfectly supported and feel completely at one with the car. A four-point harness comes as standard, while an optional six-point harness will be offered for those who intend to do more track driving. The Aston Martin design team were keen to keep distractions to a minimum and focus the driver on the road ahead. To this end all switchgear is located on the steering wheel, with all the vital signs shown on a single OLED display screen. The steering wheel is also detachable, both to aid ingress and egress, and to serve as an additional security device. Great attention has been taken with the glasshouse design to ensure forward and peripheral side-to-side vision is virtually uninterrupted. To avoid any unwanted aerodynamic disturbance or stylistic ‘clutter’ traditional door mirrors have been replaced by discreetly mounted rear facing cameras in each of the Aston Martin Valkyrie’s flanks. These feed two displays which are positioned at the base of each A-post to mimic the view provided by conventional door mirrors. The all-enveloping bodywork and roof-mounted engine air intake means N E W S


EN-Aug17-eMag4
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