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Which Buildings Can Withstand 9-Magnitude Earthquakes

Which Buildings Can Withstand 9-Magnitude Earthquakes

One of the most effective ways to combat the consequences of earthquakes is the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings. In Japan, the Building Standards Act of 1950 and the 1981 amendment on earthquake-resistant buildings are in effect. Besides detailing construction specifications, these laws set rules on how buildings should behave during earthquakes.

The 1950 law established a standard requiring buildings to withstand 7-magnitude earthquakes without severe damage and to avoid collapse during stronger tremors. Structural damage and the possibility of future use are secondary to saving human lives. This standard has also been adopted for building construction in the USA and Canada.

Seismic-resistant Construction Methods

In Japan, building standards are achieved using specialized technologies. There are several methods applied in the construction of both skyscrapers and low-rise buildings:

  • Building frames are reinforced with wider beams, columns, and lintels to better resist vibrations.
  • Installation of pads made from absorbent materials like rubber. Such buffer pads at the building’s base can reduce deformations caused by internal structural movements.
  • Placement of sectional reinforcement belts capable of absorbing loads without transferring them to adjacent floors, etc.

It is important to note that none of these methods are absolutely foolproof, as secondary consequences during aftershocks, fires, or tsunamis cannot be completely ruled out.

Explaining the Earthquake Resistance of Japanese Buildings

For the Japanese, the epitome of seismic-resistant architecture is the Horyu-ji Pagoda, which has withstood all the tremors shaking it over the past 1400 years. The five-story structure, standing 32 meters tall, has remained intact to this day. Architects of that time achieved such results through a unique wooden structure that absorbs and dissipates seismic waves. The original solution is based on utilizing a central column as the main supporting pillar, which is embedded into the ground and runs the entire height of the building. This allows the building to sway during an earthquake, regardless of its intensity, without collapsing. The structure simply mimics the earth’s movements during seismic tremors without deforming or collapsing.

It is worth noting that the majority of earthquake-resistant buildings in Japan, including skyscrapers, are constructed using this technology. Thus, despite the catastrophic earthquake of March 2011 with a magnitude of 9.1, many bridges and roads were destroyed, but even the tallest buildings remained standing. Unfortunately, despite all the architects’ efforts, many homes on the Japanese coastline were washed away by the tsunami following the dam breaches.

Modern Construction – Innovative Solutions

When developing construction projects, architects utilize both traditional solutions and innovative technologies. Among the latter are:

  • Taipei 101 in Taiwan, one of the tallest buildings on the planet, situated almost on a tectonic fault line. It features a steel pendulum weighing 660 metric tons with a diameter of 5.5 meters. This device acts like a pendulum, counterbalancing the tower during seismic movements.
  • Torre Reforma in Mexico City, equipped with square panels forming a “bending zone.” During seismic shocks, the tower bends rather than cracks.
  • Princess Juliana Airport on the island of Saint Martin, located in one of the most seismically active regions, is equipped with energy isolators that cushion the wave impact in case of earthquakes.

To construct modern buildings capable of withstanding seismic activity exceeding 7 on the Richter scale, contemporary engineers employ technologies such as load distribution and compensation methods, and the use of flexible profiles in the framework. Special compensating coatings help maintain the integrity of large-area buildings such as logistics centers, shopping galleries, parking lots, and sports facilities.