Top 10 technologies that help buildings resist earthquakes | – Times of India

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has recently warned its citizens of a potential ‘megaquake’ that could impact the entire core of Japan. A mega earthquake, defined on the seismic scale as having a magnitude of more than 8, could occur in Japan within the next 70 years. In response to this warning, the Japanese Prime Minister has canceled his four-day trip to Asia.But you might wonder: how do buildings actually resist earthquakes? Japan, with its long history of dealing with seismic activity, has developed advanced techniques to address this challenge. Let’s explore the top ten technologies used to make buildings more earthquake-resistant.

10 cutting-edge technologies that help buildings resist earthquakes

Cardboard tubes
Cardboard tubes might seem like an unlikely solution for earthquake resistance, but they have found their place in seismic design. These tubes, often made from reinforced cardboard, are used as temporary structures or supports. Their flexibility and lightweight nature allow them to absorb and dissipate seismic energy, minimizing damage to more permanent structures. They are particularly useful in temporary housing and low-cost construction.
Shock absorbers
Shock absorbers, similar to those used in vehicles, are integral in modern earthquake-resistant buildings. These devices, often installed between a building’s foundation and its superstructure, absorb and dissipate the energy generated by seismic forces. By reducing the amount of energy transferred to the building, shock absorbers help prevent structural damage and ensure stability during an earthquake.
Biomaterials
Biomaterials are an emerging field in earthquake engineering. These materials, derived from natural sources, offer unique properties that can enhance a building’s resilience. For example, certain biomaterials have been developed to possess high flexibility and strength, making them ideal for reinforcing structures. Their sustainable nature also contributes to greener construction practices.
Shape memory alloys
Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are metals that can return to their original shape after being deformed. In earthquake-resistant design, SMAs are used in structural components and connectors. When subjected to seismic forces, these alloys deform but then revert to their original shape, effectively restoring structural integrity and absorbing energy.
Carbon fiber wrap
Carbon fiber wrap is a modern reinforcement technology used to strengthen existing structures. Carbon fiber sheets or wraps are applied to columns, beams, and other critical components. These wraps are lightweight yet extremely strong, providing additional support and flexibility to structures, helping them withstand seismic forces without adding significant weight.
Replaceable fuses
Replaceable fuses are a crucial innovation in earthquake-resistant design. These fuses are designed to absorb and dissipate seismic energy, protecting the building’s primary structure from damage. In the event of an earthquake, the fuses take the brunt of the forces and can be easily replaced after the event, reducing repair costs and downtime.
Rocking core-wall
The rocking core-wall technology involves a central core that is designed to rock or pivot during an earthquake. This movement helps absorb and dissipate seismic energy, reducing the forces transmitted to the building’s superstructure. Rocking core-walls can be particularly effective in high-rise buildings, where they provide stability and enhance overall resilience.
Pendulum power
Pendulum power is a sophisticated system that utilizes pendulum-like devices to counteract seismic forces. These devices, often installed at key points in a building, swing in response to seismic activity, creating forces that counterbalance the motion of the building. This dynamic response helps stabilize the structure and minimize damage.
The levitating foundation
The levitating foundation is an innovative approach that involves placing a building on a layer of elastic bearings or isolators. These bearings allow the building to “float” or move independently of the ground motion during an earthquake. This isolation technique significantly reduces the amount of seismic energy transferred to the building, enhancing its ability to withstand tremors.
Seismic invisibility cloak
The seismic invisibility cloak is a cutting-edge technology inspired by concepts from optical cloaking. This technology involves creating a special layer around a building that redirects seismic waves away from the structure. By effectively “bending” the seismic waves around the building, this cloak minimizes the impact of the earthquake on the structure.
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