Earthquake resistance of buildings. modern technology against earthquakes
Floating buildings
Every year, at least 16 strong earthquakes with a magnitude of 7 occur in the world. Japan, Indonesia, China, Turkey, South American countries, Balkans, Italy, Greece, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan. this is not a complete list of countries that experience the effects of seismic activity from time to time.
Modern engineering and earthquake-resistant construction technologies have developed so much that they make it possible to build skyscrapers in places that pose a seismic risk, ensuring the safety of the structures.
One of the ways to resist an earthquake is to "raise" the foundation of the building above the ground, to isolate it from the foundation, which significantly weakens the transmission of seismic energy to the superstructure, the main part of the building. In this way, it is possible to effectively absorb the diverging waves during an earthquake and prevent their destructive effect. To achieve this effect, building materials and the configuration of the raised base of the building are selected in each specific case. Many technologies have been developed for earthquake-resistant construction, which make it possible to isolate the building from the foundation.
Japan is one of the first developers of earthquake-resistant construction and, in particular, the technology of raising buildings. In case of shocks, the entire structure literally soars on an air cushion. In Japan, earthquake-resistant buildings can be raised 3 cm above the ground to insulate against ground shaking.
Sensors that recognize the signal of seismic activity transmit a signal to the compressor to turn on the operation.
With the help of a compressor, air is instantly pumped in and an air cushion is created between the base of the building and the superstructure. Powerful compressors are located outside the building. The air layer allows the building to rise up and avoid or dampen destructive shocks.
At the end of the earthquake, the compressor automatically shuts off and the building returns to its original position.
This technology uses reinforced double-paned windows that are built for deformation and can withstand shock. This technology has become very popular and almost all buildings in the seismic activity zone in Japan are being built with the new technology.
Advantages of technology
It has a lower cost than other seismic protection methods
Availability of service
It is suitable for buildings of different heights.