How trees impact ground conditions and building foundations
There is no denying that trees are a beneficial asset to the environment, our lifestyle and a symbol of a healthy landscape. They create shade and privacy, contribute to better air quality, provide habitats for native birds and animals, and help to reduce salinity and soil erosion. However, without proper consideration and monitoring, trees can
“Gender should be irrelevant” Mainmark’s Pip Buunk talks ‘Women in Trades’
As we continue to work towards shifting the disparity in male or female dominated professions, we look with admiration at individuals who are determined to overcome gender barriers to pursue their passion. One such individual is Pip Buunk, who is a senior technician at Mainmark in New Zealand and boasts more than 15 years’ experience
Solutions to help maintain and remediate seawalls
Australia and New Zealand are surrounded by the sea with coastal living, seaside views and access to water all playing a big part in our way of life. However, when the ocean or an open body of water intrudes too close to urban environments, seawalls are valuable assets for protecting low lying waterfront infrastructure, addressing
Regional spotlight series: assessing the geological landscape in Queensland, Australia
Following our recent regional blog that looked at the different ground conditions in New Zealand, we now turn our attention to Queensland, Australia’s second largest state with a total area of 1,852,642 square kilometres, known for its diverse natural environment and extreme weather patterns. Mainmark services Queensland with a dedicated team based in Brisbane, the
Understanding foundations – what you need to know to keep your building structurally sound
The integrity and longevity of any built structure starts from the ground up, which is why it is often said that a building is only as good as the foundations it is built on. However, different types of foundations are used for different buildings, generally determined by the site’s geological factors, the type of building,
Regional spotlight series: how geological considerations differ in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, New Zealand
When it comes to ground engineering, topography and geological conditions will often impact the built environment. The ground conditions will also inform the remediation approach Mainmark uses for different projects. With a global footprint spanning from Australia and New Zealand to Japan and the United Kingdom, Mainmark has considerable experience working in different regions, many
Mainmark is challenging WHS culture for the better
Wednesday, April 28 marks World Day for Safety and Health at Work and Workers’ Memorial Day. It is a time to reflect on the importance of workplace practices, with the aim of reducing and preventing work-related occupational diseases, deaths, injuries, and illnesses. Despite a 53 per cent decrease in workplace fatalities between 2007 and 2019[1]
10 years of engineering development after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake
Even though 10 years have passed, it seems like only yesterday that New Zealand experienced the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that shook the foundations of Christchurch’s central business district on Tuesday 22 February 2011. The catastrophic event claimed the lives of 185 people and caused widespread destruction, coming less than six months after a 7.1 quake
Mainmark supports #ChooseToChallenge on International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day on March 8 is a time to recognise women around the world and why it’s important to stand up against gender inequality. The theme for this year, #ChooseToChallenge, highlights the choices we make as a society and the need to support gender equality. #ChooseToChallenge is based on the idea that we can
Putting cracks into perspective
Our homes are typically one of the biggest investments we make in our lives. It therefore stands to reason that the last thing we want to see are cracks in the walls, as they can be an indication of structural damage which can lead to financial strain. However, cracks have a variety of implications, so
Key considerations when building a stable structure on a difficult site
Australia and New Zealand are lands of diverse topography, with thousands of communities situated in areas where hills, slopes, embankments and elevations are prevalent. And while that may mean stunning views and natural light for those wishing to live on an elevated site, it raises significant challenges for builders and engineers who must consider the
Inside Mainmark: introducing senior technician, Pip Buunk
Before joining Mainmark earlier this year, Pip Buunk was New Zealand’s only registered female driller, managing drill rigs for geotechnical site investigation, water bore, and geohazard stabilisation projects. After more than 15 years of working in the drilling industry, and being named the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Tradeswoman of the Year in
