Beforehand:
Hazard Evaluations, and Countermeasures for Liquefaction and Tidal Waves
Many Japanese manufacturers build their production facilities in seaside areas where the land is relatively easy to acquire and provides good access to shipping. In the event of an earthquake, however, there is the possibility of liquefaction of soft ground, in other words, the upwelling of massive amounts of water with the danger that buildings could tilt considerably as the ground becomes loose. The risk of a tidal wave from an undersea earthquake hitting coastal areas can also not be ignored. For these reasons, Kajima evaluates the earthquake risk of buildings using a seismic risk analysis system (New-SEIRA) and liquefaction risk analysis system. We also maintain simulation technologies and testing facilities able to predict to what extent a tidal wave will occur following an earthquake.Hazard Evaluations, and Countermeasures for Liquefaction and Tidal Waves
After the evaluation of the risk come the countermeasures. Kajima employs measures to strengthen the ground on which buildings rest, including such methods as the Curve X method, which allows soft ground to be improved without tearing down existing buildings, and the High-pressure agitation method.
Immediately Before, During and After:
Real-Time Disaster Mitigation System
Real-Time Disaster Mitigation System
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| Real-Time Disaster Mitigation System (RDMS) |
Up to now, the focus for earthquake countermeasures in Japan has been on seismic retrofitting and other technologies for before an earthquake strikes. In recent years, however, attention has turned to strategies for immediately prior to, during, and after an earthquake. As a strategy for immediately before an earthquake, Kajima has developed its own seismic activity early warning system ― the first of its kind in the industry ― and has put it into operation. This system combines data from the earthquake reporting system run by the Japan Meteorological Agency with Kajima's proprietary analysis system, making it possible to provide accurate, pinpoint data on seismic activity. For the stage during and immediately after, Kajima has developed a real-time monitoring system that instantly detects any abnormality in the building and provides data for inspections or restoration work. This system has been employed in the Akihabara UDX Building in Tokyo. Kajima combines these technologies to offer the Real-Time Disaster Mitigation System (RDMS).
Recovery Immediately Afterward and Preparation for New Disasters
In the course of extensive experience supporting the recovery efforts for its clients’ buildings and production facilities that have been damaged by earthquakes, Kajima has learned that preserving the buildings without safeguarding internal functions results in extensive time and effort needed to recover from a disaster. The Company has drawn on this experience to develop a base isolation system for multi-story facilities, which, while offering a span of up to 40 meters, protects against major earthquakes as well as everyday minor tremors. Other developments include a partial base isolation system that allows for a section of a building to be isolated, as well as a seismic retrofitting technique for non-structural aspects of the building such as the ceiling panels and pipes essential to the function of the building. These technologies allow Kajima to offer systems that minimize any damage should a disaster strike, and allow for the restoration of functionality in a short period of time.
In Conclusion . . .
Kajima has proactively developed disaster management technologies to cover preparations for seismic activity beforehand as well as those for immediately before, during and after an earthquake. By putting these into operation, we help support the business continuity management (BCM) strategies of our clients.
