Challenges in construction material supply for post-disaster transport infrastructure recovery: a case study of the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake in New Zealand

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the challenges faced by the transport infrastructure sector in its civil construction material supply processes, following the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach was adopted, which included on-site observations, semi-structured interviews and literature-based desktop reviews.

Findings

The research findings show that there were supply problems for aggregates, concrete, stormwater pipes and some specialised products for the repair and rebuild of transport facilities. Those supply problems were largely caused by (1) difficulty in predicting material requirements, (2) constrained supply capability, (3) inadequate local freight capacity, (4) legal, cultural and/or environmental considerations on resource exploitation and utilisation, (5) impacts of COVID-19 and (6) ineffective communication and coordination.

Research limitations/implications

For future research, it is recommended that a comparative analysis of multiple disaster cases be undertaken to further explore the generalisability of the research findings.

Originality/value

The research findings will inform the development of post-earthquake recovery policies and material supply chain operation strategies, in order to expedite the recovery of transport networks if a future earthquake strikes.

Citation

Liu, K., Chang-Richards, A., Costello, S.B., L'Hermitte, C., Trent, N.M. and Li, N. (2024), "Challenges in construction material supply for post-disaster transport infrastructure recovery: a case study of the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake in New Zealand", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/DPM-10-2023-0259