The Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission has recommended further research into active faults near population centres and more work on building foundations.

The first part of the commission’s three-volume final report was released last week. It covers engineering and seismic issues, with recommendations to change concrete structures, structural steel and earthquake action standards.

Construction Minister Maurice Williamson says the Government has accepted all 70 recommendations in the report.

The examination of building failures during the earthquakes has commissioned a number of technical reports and wants New Zealand bodies such as the Geotechnical Society, the Structural Engineering Society and the Institution of Professional Engineers to consider revised standards to improve buildings’ ability to withstand quakes.

The royal commission wants more work and a greater focus on geotechnical investigation to reduce the risk of inadequate building foundations, measures to share that information and upgraded guidelines for assessing liquefaction hazards.

It says building to a higher earthquake standard in Christchurch need not increase costs significantly, rising 2.6% for a 10-storey office with a two-level car park.

The report recommends further research into active faults near Christchurch and other population centres.

The royal commission is continuing hearings, and this week will hear closing submissions on the collapse of the CTV building.

The remaining volumes of the report will be completed by November 12.