Earthquake proof: Japan building made quake-safe by curtain of cables anchoring it down - TomoNews

Summary

Innovative earthquake-proofing solutions are emerging globally. Japan introduces a system of lightweight, strong cables that tether buildings to resist shaking. China proposes safety beds with built-in supplies for protection during quakes. Israeli inventors design a sturdy table to withstand heavy impacts, while Greg Henderson explores using electromagnetic technology to levitate homes during tremors. Additionally, survival capsules offer a last-resort shelter for those unable to evacuate quickly.

Takeaways

• 🏗️ A Japanese textile company has developed a quake-proof system using special cables made from thermoplastic carbon fiber composite, which is as strong as iron but 90% lighter.
• 🌐 These cables are installed both inside and outside buildings to tether the structure and prevent shaking during earthquakes.
• 🏰 The innovation is a collaboration between textile company Komatsu, architectural firm Kengo kuma, and will be used to reinforce Zen Kojima Temple in Nagano, one of Japan's oldest temples.
• 🛏️ After the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, a Chinese designer created earthquake safety beds that resemble panic rooms, providing a secure space during quakes.
• 🚪 However, the safety beds have limitations, including potential for trapped limbs and the challenge of rescue in collapsed buildings.
• 🏡 Two Israeli inventors designed a quake-proof table to protect children during earthquakes, which can withstand up to 1 ton of force.
• 🧲 Greg Henderson, CEO of Arc's packs, is exploring using electromagnetic technology to levitate houses during earthquakes, reducing lateral movement damage.
• 🌐 The levitation system would link to the U.S. Geological Survey's Shake Alert system, providing advance warning to activate the system.
• 💺 The Survival Capsule, inspired by the 2011 Japanese tsunami, is a spherical shelter designed to protect people, especially the less mobile, during natural disasters.
• ⏱️ Equipped with a 60-minute air supply, the capsule can withstand impacts from objects traveling up to 75 miles per hour.

Q & A

What is the latest earthquake-proofing innovation from Japan mentioned in the script?

The latest earthquake-proofing innovation from Japan is a giant curtain of special cables made from thermoplastic carbon fiber composite, which is strong yet flexible and can tether a building's roof to the ground.

How does the special cable system work during an earthquake?

When the ground shifts during an earthquake, the braided rods made from thermoplastic carbon fiber composite stretch and pull the structure back in the opposite direction to prevent shaking.

Which collaboration is responsible for the special cable system project?

The project is a collaboration between textile company Komatsu, architectural firm Kengo Kuma, and is intended to reinforce Zen Kojima Temple in Nagano, one of Japan's oldest temples.

What is the Chinese design proposal for earthquake safety in the context of furniture?

The Chinese design proposal includes earthquake safety beds that resemble a cross between a panic room and a coffin, designed to protect the sleeper during an earthquake.

What are some concerns with Wongwan XI's earthquake safety bed design?

Concerns with Wongwan XI's design include the difficulty for rescue crews to locate the bed in collapsed buildings, the risk of caught or broken limbs, and the impracticality of the bed for daytime use or emergencies outside of sleeping hours.

What is the Israeli invention for earthquake-proof furniture mentioned in the script?

The Israeli invention is an earthquake-proof table designed to spread the weight of a significant down force evenly across the table and disperse debris to the sides, withstanding weights of up to 1 ton.

How does Greg Henderson's electromagnetic technology relate to earthquake-proof homes?

Greg Henderson's technology uses electromagnetic repulsive force to lift a house during an earthquake, protecting it from lateral movement. The house would be linked to the U.S. Geological Survey's Shake Alert system to activate the electromagnet when an earthquake is detected.

What is the purpose of the Survival Capsule as described in the script?

The Survival Capsule is designed to act as a safety shelter during natural disasters, particularly for the less mobile, elderly, infirm, and young, to protect them from impacts and provide air supply if submerged under water.

What materials and features are used in the construction of the Survival Capsule?

The Survival Capsule is a spherical metal cage sheathed in aircraft-grade aluminum shells to absorb impact, with internal walls lined with ceramic thermal blankets to protect from extreme heat, and equipped with a 60-minute air tank.

What is the maximum speed of impact that the Survival Capsule can withstand according to the script?

The Survival Capsule can withstand impacts from objects traveling at up to 75 miles per hour.