Eden Park sensors give lowdown on seismic moves

JASON OXENHAM/Auckland City Habour News

DOWN THE HOLE: Auckland University researchers Dr Dan Hikuroa, left, Dr Liam Wotherspoon and Quincy Ma inspect a sensor similar to one which will be dropped hundreds of metres into the ground at Eden Park. The sensors will reveal new information about seismic activity in the Auckland region

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Eden Park is famous for plenty of noise after an All Blacks victory.

And a series of new devices set to be installed in an underground location near the park’s new south stand will be able to measure the noise and so much more.

Auckland University’s Institute of Earth Science and Engineering is installing sensors in a borehole at the ground that are almost as long as the Sky Tower.

It is hoped they will reveal new information about seismic movements and the volcanic make-up of Auckland.

"The borehole instrument centre for Eden Park will be one of the first observation centres under a major sporting venue in the world," project leader Dr Liam Wotherspoon says.

The sensors will be encased in a metal outer-layer and surrounded by concrete to protect it from temperatures of more than 100 degrees and underground pockets of water.

While the aim is to drill down to 250 metres, Dr Wotherspoon hopes it could go as deep as 400 metres depending on the type of soil they encounter.

He says the institute wants to replicate the project around other high rise buildings in Auckland.

Structural engineer Quincy Ma says the project will greatly improve knowledge of seismic activity around Auckland.

"We focus on listening to seismic data in Wellington. But we really have to recognise a lot of people live in Auckland and it would be reckless not to get as much data as possible."

As well as measuring seismic activity around the central Auckland area, the types of soil drilled through along the way could improve knowledge about Auckland’s geological make-up.

Geologist Dr Dan Hikuroa says the soil types could show how often volcanoes erupt. He is also confident the sensors will be able to pick up on any All Blacks victories.

"They might be able to pick up a Rodney So’oialo special.

"I guess it just depends on what type of rock you’re going through," he says.

Eden Park Trust Board chairman John Alexander says he is delighted the redevelopment of Eden Park can help add to valuable scientific research.

Drilling should take about three weeks, with monitoring expected to take place from early October.

- © Fairfax NZ News