The University of Otago has ''no dispute'' with the main contractor which constructed a building in the late 1990s, only for it to be found earthquake-prone last year.
The St David 2 building, constructed in 1997, is among those the university has found to be earthquake-prone as part of its $50 million earthquake-strengthening project. Last year, it was found to be between 17% and 32% of new building standard (NBS) for earthquake strength, with the finding reported to university staff at a meeting in May.
Property services director Barry MacKay said the building met earthquake standards when it was built.
''While the building was constructed to the building code of the time, knowledge around the performance of buildings during earthquakes is constantly evolving and there have been substantial advances since the Canterbury earthquakes.
''For example, as a light construction building on a long narrow footplate, St David 2 is now considered more susceptible to earthquake damage than previously thought,'' Mr MacKay said.
This meant the university had no dispute with the main building contractor, Naylor Love. The project to upgrade and strengthen the building, which when completed would house the department of applied sciences, was expected to be finished late next year.
The building has been unoccupied since the University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year moved to the University Plaza at Forsyth Barr Stadium in February, 2012.
