Japan’s Earthquake-Proof Secret Revealed

The 2019 magnitude 9.1 earthquake in Japan shocked the world. But surprisingly, life in many parts of Tokyo was normal. Hospitals did not stop operating, computer monitors did not fall in offices, and not a single pane of glass moved in buildings where base isolation was used.

Think of it this way: if you were sitting in a car during a strong earthquake, and the car's suspension absorbed the shock, you would shake less. Base isolation uses the same concept, but on a much larger scale."

"Rubber-steel laminated bearings, lead-core shock absorbers, or friction sliders are placed under the building to slightly separate the building from the ground, acting like a "floating platform." The stronger the ground shakes, the slower, more controlled the building's movement. As a result, the main structure is not stressed, and the possibility of damage to the internal components is greatly reduced."

"In Japan, base isolation technology has been used in more than 6,000 buildings so far, including hospitals, data centers, fire stations, airport terminals, and even residential buildings. In particular, seismically isolated hospitals are designed to keep emergency services running after an earthquake."

"In Japan, base isolation is being installed not only in new buildings, but also in 40-70 year old buildings by cutting down and creating space underneath. This process is called retrofit base isolation, which makes the building safe for 30-50 years again."

"The BNBC-2020 code clearly mentions the recommendation or obligation to use base isolation in important buildings in risky areas like Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet."

"Currently used in Bangladesh: Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (special seismic base under the reactor building), some stations of Dhaka Metrorail, some new towers and high-rise office projects, some data centers, and hospitals are under planning and implementation."

"By using this technology, building damage in earthquakes is reduced by 60-80%, operations, servers, hospital medical emergency services can be maintained, long-term building maintenance costs are reduced, and loss of life and property is dramatically reduced."

"Japan has shown that earthquakes cannot be stopped, but damage can be stopped with the right technology. Let us never have to learn from a major accident. Rather, let us learn in advance, move forward, and make buildings as stable, safe, and sustainable as the future. "This is no longer a luxury; it is one of the best ways to ensure the safety of life and the sustainability of infrastructure."

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