| 65 T T Kelly Deeks Innovative system prevents quake damage The Onguard system absorbs seismic energy at the base of the tank, allowing it to withstand prolonged shaking without structural compromise. CONTRACTING Onguard Seismic Systems “I applied the lessons learned from the Canterbury earthquakes and focused on designing a system that allows the tank to survive undamaged, rather than just comply with minimum building code requirements.” In the wake of the catastrophic Seddon Earthquake in 2013, which rocked the Marlborough wine region, local engineer Will Lomax saw an opportunity to prevent future disasters with a groundbreaking anchoring system designed to protect above-ground liquid storage tanks from earthquake damage. The idea for Onguard Seismic Systems was born after the magnitude 6.6 earthquake wreaked havoc on Marlborough wineries, causing untold financial losses as thousands of litres of wine spilled from damaged storage tanks. Traditional anchoring methods had failed to provide sufficient protection, prompting Will to develop an alternative approach. “I applied the lessons learned from the Canterbury earthquakes and focused on designing a system that allows the tank to survive undamaged, rather than just comply with minimum building code requirements,” Will says. “The building code is there to protect people, and that often happens at the expense of the structure, so we needed a different solution.” The result was the Onguard system, which absorbs seismic energy at the base of the tank, allowing it to withstand prolonged shaking without structural compromise. The system was soon put to the test during the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, a magnitude 7.8 event that caused extensive damage across the country. More than 300 Onguard-equipped tanks emerged unscathed, while many others in the region suffered significant damage or collapse. In total, Onguard’s system preserved over 15 million gallons of liquid that would have otherwise been lost. The success of Onguard in New Zealand quickly gained international attention, leading to expansion into the United States, where the company is now firmly established. Originally focusing on the wine industry, Onguard has since extended its reach into petrochemicals, water storage, dairy, and other sectors that rely on aboveground liquid storage tanks. More recently, the company has made inroads into Turkey, another seismically active region, where its technology is proving vital for protecting infrastructure. A key element of Onguard’s operation is its partnership with Roberts Engineering, a New Zealand-based manufacturer responsible for producing the company’s patented earthquake-anchoring systems. Each anchor is custom-built to match the specific requirements of the job, ensuring optimal performance in any given seismic environment. “Our system doesn’t just meet code, it exceeds it,” Will says. “Unlike traditional anchors, which often fail after a single earthquake pulse, our anchors are designed to absorb and dissipate energy throughout ongoing seismic shaking, keeping tanks stable and operational.” Onguard has ambitious plans for the future. While its primary market remains earthquake-prone regions like the West Coast of the US, Will and the Onguard team are now pushing into areas that, while not known for seismic activity, can still benefit from Onguard’s efficiency-driven design. “We can make tanks more efficient anywhere, from Missouri to Istanbul.” Onguard is also working with major ports to improve the security of fuel and chemical storage facilities. Onguard’s global expansion has been supported by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, which has provided valuable market validation and logistical assistance in international markets. With continued innovation and an ever-growing demand for seismic safety, Onguard is set to remain at the forefront of earthquake engineering for years to come. “Kiwi ingenuity is leading the way in global seismic resilience,” Will says. “We started by protecting our own wine industry, and now we’re safeguarding critical infrastructure around the world.” Will Lomax Fishing Equipment Laser & Profile Cutting Logging Equipment Lifting Equipment Unit 3D, 200 Maces Rd, Bromley 03 384 3154 www.crequipment.co.nz CNC Machining General Machining Manual Machining www.robertseng.co.nz 03 384 4360
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