Why Are Houses in Japan More Earthquake-Resistant? Here’s the Secret!
Like Indonesia, Japan is located in an active tectonic zone and has many active volcanoes, making it prone to earthquakes. This situation has made Japan a country focused on developing infrastructure and building technology that can withstand earthquakes. Japan even has regulations requiring buildings to meet earthquake-resistant standards and undergo regular inspections. These are some of the secrets to the earthquake-resistant technology of various buildings and structures in Japan.
Design, Mechanism, and Structure
Many factors are considered before construction, including soil type, foundations, and the building’s height. This requires a flexible structural design to absorb earthquake shocks. In addition to dampers, the majority of houses in Japan have earthquake-resistant structures that have been in use for years, namely:
- Taishin Structure: This is the minimum requirement for earthquake-resistant buildings in Japan. The minimum thickness of the backing, pillars, and walls of the building must be able to withstand the pressure of ground vibrations.
- Seishin Structure: The building frame of the structure must be isolated from the base of the foundation by installing shock absorbers, rubber layers, or seismic isolators. This ensures the building can withstand shocks and is recommended for high-rise buildings.
- Menshin Structure: This structure is the most advanced and expensive earthquake-resistant structure in Japan today. The foundation rests on lead, steel, or a thick rubber layer, allowing the building to move slightly and minimizing ground movement during an earthquake. This model is often used in tall structures such as towers and apartment buildings.
Other Methods for Earthquake-Resistant Houses in Japan
Other Methods for Earthquake-Resistant Houses in Japan
In addition to the three structural engineering techniques described above, some earthquake-resistant houses in Japan also employ other construction technologies, such as pendulum-like suspended balls to stabilize the building, lightweight steel structures with modular designs, wood structures, steel-reinforced concrete, and others. These technologies are supported by the Japanese government’s early warning system to reduce casualties during major earthquakes.
IG Strong CB
One of the Japanese technologies brought by Tact Home Indonesia to YUKARI Sawangan is the IG Strong CB. The interlocking system in concrete blocks is precisely designed to increase the earthquake resistance of the walls. The extensive use of steel reinforcement in the floors also increases the structural strength of the foundation. This is a rare practice in Indonesia, as steel bars are generally used in columns but not in walls. YUKARI Sawangan uses numerous steel bars not only in the floors and columns but also throughout the walls, significantly increasing the building’s strength and durability. The hollows in the IG Strong CB make the structure more flexible, making it more resilient to earthquakes and strong winds. These hollows also simplify the installation process of the IG Strong CB.
If you’re interested in owning a home with guaranteed earthquake-resistant safety and Japanese technology, you can contact us at 0823-1133-4579 (WhatsApp), visit us via Instagram DM, or visit the official YUKARI Sawangan website here.
