Tokyo earthquake proof

But often the designers of spectacular skyscrapers are reluctant to make those kinds of compromises, and tensions between the seismic standards required by engineers and the creative visions of architects are common.

The Skytree Tower in Tokyo is the second tallest building in the world. Sato has worked on developing seismic engineering solutions that are both functional and elegant. If one part buckles, having a close neighbour helps stop it bending and distributes the energy absorption. As a result, mesh structures — which can also be very beautiful — help to fortify buildings.

The Naoshima pavillion Credit: Sou Fujimoto. The goal of creating earthquake-proof buildings is not static. Researchers estimate how future earthquakes might impact a building by observing active faults. But the magnitude of earthquakes in the region appears to be getting larger, so prediction becomes even more difficult, says Ejiri.

The answer lies in gradually testing all the known technologies we have to stabilise buildings, while trialling ever more creative designs, such as mesh structures.

Construction for Olympics Credit: Getty Images. Due to the unpredictable nature of natural disasters, it is impossible to know whether a design can withstand the next large earthquake until after it happens.

It is only in hindsight that engineers and architects can be certain about the resilience of their designs. The major difference between the new and old seismic standards is that the new standard is more strictly regulated.

Examples: Quake-proof, Seismic control, and Quake-absorbing structures. The quake-proof structure realizes reinforcement by the use of sturdy columns, beams, and other construction techniques. Detached houses are often designed in this structure. One thing to note is that quake-proof is to prevent damage and collapse of the building, not to suppress shakes. The shaking will increase in proportion to the magnitude of the earthquake.

Shaking control devices such as dampers are installed in the structural frame to reduce seismic forces affecting the building and prevent damage and collapse. This structure will diminish shaking more than earthquake-resistant structures. The feature of this structure is an installation of intensive devices to cancel out the shaking, allowing control of the seismic force affecting the building.

The quake-absorbing system is realized in several construction technologies. For example, high-rise buildings usually have a seismic isolator system at the base, where it cancels out seismic forces.

Meanwhile, more than 50 sites across Tokyo have been designated as disaster prevention parks. After a disaster, the manhole covers are removed and special seats and privacy tents are placed over them, turning them into emergency toilets.

The park benches, meanwhile, can be converted into cooking stoves. The epicentre of the quake was about miles km away from Tokyo, but the city still felt strong, extended shaking , captured in striking footage that showed skyscrapers swaying like trees in a breeze. While alarming to those inside, these buildings were doing exactly what they were designed to do: bend and flex instead of snap.

Skyscrapers are both the most advanced and get the greatest scrutiny. Buildings over 60 metres must undergo advanced structural analysis as part of more stringent approval processes. The swaying is aided by rubber pads or fluid-filled bases. The country has also learned from past disasters. In the Kobe earthquake, most of the collapsed structures had been built before tougher standards were introduced in Nearly nine in 10 buildings in Tokyo match modern anti-seismic standards, according to a University of Tokyo study.

The city also rolled out projects to reduce risks from other natural hazards, such as floods and storm surges. These include floodgates and levees to protect the eastern lowlands, and improved river and diversion channels in the central area. Where Typhoon Kitty in August caused a storm surge of 3.

G-Cans involves a series of five silos, each 65 metres high, that can collect excess water to prevent flooding. These silos connect to a 6. Important Note: Information herein is subject to change pending new laws, regulations and technology. For more information, check out the English website of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism , or contact the Housing Bureau directly:.

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