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.

Outlines

00:00

🏗️ Innovative Earthquake-Proofing Solutions in Japan

Japan, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, is prone to earthquakes, prompting citizens and companies to develop innovative earthquake-proofing solutions. One such innovation is a giant curtain of 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 together and prevent shaking during earthquakes. The project is a collaboration between textile company Komatsu, architectural firm Kengo Kuma, and is set to reinforce Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, one of Japan's oldest temples. Other innovations include earthquake safety beds designed by Wongwan XI, which resemble a panic room and are equipped with supplies for survival. However, these designs raise concerns about rescue operations and the practicality of use. Additionally, Israeli inventors have designed an earthquake-proof table made of steel and birch wood, which can withstand significant down force and disperse debris, potentially saving lives in developing countries. Lastly, Greg Henderson, co-founder of Arc's packs, suggests using electromagnetic technology to levitate homes during earthquakes, protecting them from lateral movement.

05:01

🛡️ Survival Capsule: A Life-Saving Innovation for Disasters

Survival Capsule, designed by Julien Sharp and Scott Hill, is a life-saving innovation intended to protect the less mobile, such as the elderly, infirm, and young, during emergencies like tsunamis. The capsule is a spherical metal cage with an aircraft-grade aluminum shell to absorb impact and internal ceramic thermal blankets to protect from extreme heat. Equipped with a 60-minute air tank for submersion, the capsule can accommodate two to ten people with different seating designs. Tested to withstand impacts from objects traveling up to 75 miles per hour, the Survival Capsule is available for pre-order and could provide a safe haven in the face of natural disasters.

Keywords

💡Quake-proof

Quake-proof refers to the ability of a structure or object to withstand the forces of an earthquake without significant damage. In the context of the video, quake-proof innovations are central to the theme, showcasing various technologies and designs aimed at protecting buildings and individuals during seismic events. For instance, the special cables mentioned act as a giant curtain to tether buildings, preventing shaking during quakes.

💡Thermoplastic carbon fiber composite

Thermoplastic carbon fiber composite is a material made from carbon fibers embedded in a thermoplastic polymer matrix. It is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. In the video, a textile company has created threads from this composite, which are braided into rods that are as strong as iron but 90% lighter, used for earthquake-proofing buildings by tethering the roof to the ground.

💡Komatsu

Komatsu is a prominent Japanese corporation mentioned in the script as a collaborator in the development of earthquake-proofing technologies. Specifically, it works with a textile company and architectural firm to implement innovative quake-proof systems, highlighting the importance of industry collaboration in advancing safety measures against natural disasters.

💡Kengo Kuma

Kengo Kuma is an architectural firm that collaborates with Komatsu and a textile company on the project to reinforce buildings against earthquakes. The firm's involvement emphasizes the integration of design and functionality in creating structures that are both aesthetically pleasing and resistant to seismic activity, as seen in their work with the Zen Koj寺 in Nagano.

💡Earthquake safety beds

Earthquake safety beds are a type of furniture designed to protect individuals during earthquakes. The video describes a design by Wongwan XI, which includes beds that resemble a panic room and can enclose the sleeper, providing a secure space with stored supplies. These beds are an example of how everyday furniture can be reimagined for disaster preparedness.

💡Earthquake-proof table

An earthquake-proof table is a piece of furniture designed to withstand the forces of an earthquake, providing a safe hiding place. The video mentions a design by two Israeli inventors, which uses a steel frame and birch wood tabletop to distribute heavy loads and debris safely. This innovation aims to protect children in schools, particularly in areas with lax building standards.

💡Electromagnetics

Electromagnetics is the branch of physics that deals with the interaction of electric and magnetic fields. In the video, Greg Henderson from Arc's packs suggests using electromagnetic technology to lift houses during earthquakes, preventing damage from lateral movement. This concept illustrates the potential of advanced physics in creating innovative quake-proof solutions.

💡Survival capsule

A survival capsule is a protective enclosure designed to safeguard individuals during natural disasters, particularly tsunamis. The video describes capsules made of aircraft-grade aluminum with ceramic thermal blankets for heat protection and air tanks for submersion. These capsules are an example of how specific disaster scenarios can drive the creation of specialized safety equipment.

💡Tsunami

A tsunami is a series of ocean waves caused by a large-scale disturbance in the sea, often resulting from undersea earthquakes. The video references the 2011 tsunami in Japan as the inspiration for the survival capsule, underscoring the role of historical disasters in driving the development of life-saving technologies.

💡Shake alert system

The Shake alert system is a network of sensors designed to detect seismic activity and provide early warnings of earthquakes. The video mentions that Greg Henderson's electromagnetic system for lifting houses would link to this system, allowing for preemptive action during quakes. This system exemplifies the integration of technology in disaster response and preparedness.

Highlights

Japan introduces a quake-proof innovation using special cables as a giant curtain for buildings.

The cables are made from thermoplastic carbon fiber composite, which is as strong as iron but 90% lighter.

The cables are installed both outside and inside buildings to tether the structure and strengthen interior walls.

The project is a collaboration between textile company Komatsu, an architectural firm, and Kengo kuma.

The cables will be used to reinforce Zen Koj寺 in Nagano, one of Japan's oldest temples.

Chinese design proposes earthquake safety beds in response to the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.

Wongwan XI designed an earthquake-proof bed with a panic room-like enclosure for safety during quakes.

The earthquake-proof table by two Israeli inventors is designed to withstand significant down force and disperse debris.

The table could potentially help up to 300 million children in earthquake zones with lax building standards.

Greg Henderson proposes using electromagnetic technology to lift homes during earthquakes.

The house would hover for up to 90 seconds when an earthquake is detected, linked to the U.S. Geological Survey's Shake Alert system.

The Survival Capsule, designed for natural disasters, is a spherical metal cage with an aircraft grade aluminum shell.

The capsule is equipped with a 60-minute air tank and can withstand impacts from objects traveling up to 75 miles per hour.

Survival capsules are available for pre-order, offering a range of capacities from two to ten people.

Transcripts

quake-proof in buildings with style

a giant curtain of special cables is the

latest earthquake proofing innovation to

come out of Japan and it combines both

functionality and sleek design with

japan's location along the Pacific Ring

of Fire making it prone to earthquakes

citizens are constantly finding ways to

protect the country's infrastructure one

textile company has created threads made

from thermoplastic carbon fiber

composite which are braided to form a

strong yet flexible rod that is as

strong as iron but 90% lighter the rods

have been installed outside the

companies building it is draped all

around the structure essentially

tethering the roof to the ground

they are also installed inside the

building to strengthen the interior

walls when the ground shifts from side

to side during an earthquake

the rods stretch and pull the structure

back in the opposite direction to

prevent shaking the project is a

collaboration between textile company

Komatsu an architectural firm Kengo kuma

it will soon be used to reinforce zen

koji temple in Nagano one of Japan's

oldest temples here are other

innovations that might keep you alive in

a massive quake Chinese design proposes

earthquake safety beds the 2008 Sichuan

earthquake in China left more than

90,000 people either dead or missing so

of course it sparked a need to design

more earthquake proof buildings and

sometimes furniture one such design

comes from wongwan XI a man who designed

a patent for his earthquake proof bed

design in 2010 he's been updating his

designs and offers more than one type of

bed for those weary of being caught

sleeping and unaware during an

earthquake the bed resembles a cross

between a panic room and a coffin some

of the designs drop the sleeper directly

inside the bed which closes up like a

box there is space for owners to store

old food water and other supplies

unfortunately Wong's videoand company

don't offer any explanations for how

rescue crews are supposed to locate the

beds and collapse buildings and don't

show how the person inside is supposed

to be able to get out other risks could

also include caught or broken limbs if

the person doesn't sleep within the

outlined parameters of the

there's also the question of what

happens if a person is caught outside of

the bed say during the daytime or

perhaps just getting up to visit the

toilet it seems like a good idea at

first glance but clearly there's still a

lot of details to be worked out the

price tag on these things probably isn't

cheap either so for those who can't

afford earthquake proof beds

it looks like we'll just have to stick

to the traditional methods such as

hiding in a bathtub under tables or

shielding your head with something soft

like a pillow and then running for the

door as soon as possible two Israeli

inventors have come up with a design for

an earthquake-proof

table they hope could save thousands of

lives in quake prone developing

countries during earthquake drills

children are usually informed to hide

under their desks potentially deadly

advice if the desk is not strong enough

the earthquake proof table consists of a

steel frame with a birch wood tabletop

and is designed to spread the weight of

a significant down force evenly across

the table while dispersing the debris to

the sides in tests it has successfully

withstood weights of up to 1 ton its

inventors say the table has the

potential to help up to 300 million

children who live in earthquake zones

where Building Standards are lakhs the

table is now awaiting approval from the

world-renowned structural engineering

department of Padua University in Italy

[Music]

creator of the hover board wants to make

your house float Greg Henderson the

co-founder and CEO of Arc's packs the

company behind Hendo hoverboard has

revealed that electromagnetic hoverboard

technology may be the future of

earthquake proof homes during an

earthquake the main danger to a building

structure as lateral movement today most

earthquake proofing systems decouple

buildings from the ground using base

isolation bearings so they can move

freely without compromising the

building's integrity ARC's packs

currently holds patents for a buffer

system that uses water or gas to raise

homes protecting them from destructive

lateral movement

but Henderson's new system would rely on

electromagnetics to produce repulsive

magnetic force and lift the house the

house would be linked to the u.s.

geological surveys shake alert system

allowing it to activate the

electromagnet and hover for up to 90

seconds when an earthquake is detected

the shake alert system which relies in a

series of sensors placed near fault

lines has already proven effective and

give me the residents of earthquake

prone areas a head start on incoming

earthquakes the survival capsule could

save your life during a natural disaster

the survival capsule was designed to

help save lives during a tsunami the

2011 tsunami off japan's coast that

killed almost 16,000 people and injured

6,000 more was inspiration to survival

capsule creators julien sharp and scott

hill the two designed the capsule with

the less mobile the elderly the infirm

and the young in mind in emergency

situations the survival capsule could

act as a safety shelter for those who

have problems evacuating especially on

all last minutes notice the capsules are

spherical metal cages sheathed in

aircraft grade aluminum shells to absorb

impact the internal walls are lined with

ceramic thermal blankets to protect from

extreme heat and each capsule is

equipped with a 60 minute air tank in

case it's submerged under water the

capsules come in five different

capacities ranging from two to ten

people each with varying seating designs

tsunami waves typically flow around 25

miles per hour but survival capsules

tests have found that the capsule can

withstand impacts from objects at up to

75 miles per hour

survival capsules are currently

available for pre-order

[Applause]

[Music]