Omer Altaf is a Lecturer in the Construction department at Otago Polytechnic Auckland International Campus.

He holds a master’s degree in Civil Engineering and is currently pursuing a PhD from The University of Auckland.

Omer has 10 years of teaching and research experience in geotechnical engineering including five years in New Zealand.

His main area of research is geotechnical earthquake engineering, and he has recently completed liquefaction assessment projects with Auckland and Marlborough district councils.

Major earthquake events worldwide have highlighted the impact of soil liquefaction on the built environment. A good understanding of the areas where liquefaction damage is possible is important for informed land-use planning and to allow developers and asset owners to appropriately address the risk.

Therefore, considering the importance of earthquake-related phenomena and construction in New Zealand, Omer’s current research projects include investigating liquefaction susceptibility of the Puketoka Formation in the south Auckland region using numerical modelling.  

This research aims to investigate the behaviour and volcanic nature of soil formations present in south Auckland and their liquefaction potential using site-specific detailed methodologies suggested by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) guidance.

Another research project is to extend and update the liquefaction assessment for the lower Wairau plains with new investigations and field testing. It will produce an updated GIS-based map for the Lower Wairau plains where new development is planned by Marlborough District Council. 

The scope of these research activities is well within the construction management and quantity surveying field and will contribute to content for students of construction technology specifically geotechnical and seismic aspects.

Top image: 2016 Kaikoura earthquake observation in Blenheim, Marlborough district.