When – Monday 13th April 2026
Where – Room 401, Building 401, University of Auckland - 20 Symonds Street, Auckland Central, Auckland.
Agenda –
17:30 pre-presentation refreshments
18:00 presentation
Please register for this presentation below:
Seismic Strengthening of Concrete Diaphragms with FRP
Description:
Registration opens at 01-04-2026 20:05
Registration closes at 13-04-2026 17:00
Max Participants: 100
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Abstract:
A significant number of existing buildings in New Zealand contain seismically deficient concrete diaphragms, yet the engineering community has limited research-based guidance to support reliable assessment and retrofit design. This presentation provides an overview of a five‑year research programme undertaken at the University of Auckland and US research aimed at addressing this gap and developing the technical basis for future design recommendations.
The talk will synthesise key experimental and analytical findings from the programme, with particular emphasis on the seismic behaviour of older diaphragm systems common in New Zealand’s building stock. The presentation will also introduce the design provisions currently being incorporated into the upcoming revisions of ACI 440 and ASCE 41, describing how recent research outcomes are shaping national and international standards.
Special attention will be given to practical detailing considerations, such as anchorage strategies, optimal placement of reinforcement and collectors, and the performance of different strengthening systems, within the unique New Zealand context. This includes addressing challenges associated with concentrated damage mechanisms, historically brittle steel reinforcement, thin topping slabs and shear friction connections, all of which strongly influence diaphragm response during severe seismic events.
Presenter Biographies:
Enrique del Rey Castillo
Enrique is a Senior Lecturer in Civil and Environmental Engineering and an accomplished structural engineering researcher specializing in FRP materials, seismic strengthening, and sustainable concrete materials. Currently, a significant amount of his research is focused on the use of natural pozzolans, mainly volcanic materials, as partial cement replacements for sustainable cements. He is also a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) and director of FRP Designs Ltd, focusing on providing innovative solutions to complex problems in the seismic strengthening space. Enrique has collaborated internationally with leading experts in both academia and industry around the world, from Asia and Europe to America.
Scott Arnold
Scott is the Director of Application Engineering at Henkel Corporation. He has been working with Henkel for thirty-two years on the design and development of the LOCTITE FRP strengthening systems. He is a licensed civil engineer in multiple states and has a Bachelor of Science in Structural Engineering from the University of California at San Diego.