Seismic Isolation Building Inspection

Japan is a country which experiences many earthquakes, such as the 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami, and The 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes. Seismic isolation technology has gained attention in Japan after a large reduction in damage when the technology was used during the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995. Seismic Isolation technology can reduce ground shaking about one third to one fifth compared with normal buildings, and the appeal of the undamaged buildings has lead to the use of the technology growing every year.

As of 2018, there are 9500 buildings in total.

(4800 office buildings and 4700 residential buildings.)

What is seismic isolation building?

Seismic isolation buildings are buildings built on structures designed to absorb the seismic energy from an earthquake. Buildings built on top of these structures are engineered to be more difficult to sway. 

These seismic isolation buildings are comprised of an isolator and a damper. 

The isolator supports the building and turns short-term tremors into long-term tremors.

The damper absorbs seismic energy and reduces ground shaking.

Differences between normal buildings and seismic isolation buildings

Goals for Seismic Isolation Building Management and Maintenance

The safety of seismic isolation buildings depends strongly on the condition of the seismic isolation equipment. It is therefore very important to inspect and maintain this equipment regularly.  By ensuring that the seismic isolation equipment is always in the good condition, we can minimize the damage and injury caused during an earthquake.

At Best-On

１）seismic isolation equipment etc

２）seismic isolation bed interior and outer perimeter of the building

３）equipment (pipes, electrical cables etc) within the seismic isolation bed. We perform regular inspections on the above items.