seismal retrofitting is a major attempt that requires stabilize and bolting an older building to its foundation so it does n’t shake up apart in an earthquake . But depending on a building ’s age and what materials it ’s made of , a traditional retrofit has the potential to destroy a structure in a unlike way — aesthetically . A Japanese company believes string of carbon fiber could solve this problem , so it wrap them around its home office to certify how this might mold .
The super - faint seismal reinforcement stuff named CABKOMA Strand Rod is made by theKomatsu Seiten Fabric Laboratory , which is found in Ishikawa , Japan . Yes , framework : It ’s a carbon fiber nucleus , wrapped in extra fibers , and coat with a thermoplastic resin . A 520 - human foot piece weigh less than a garden hosiery and can be carried in one hand .
Carbon fiber is one of the right way to absorb shockwaves without adding bulk . It has a very gamey tensile strength ; in fact , it ’s as inviolable as steel , but 90 pct lighter . And unlike inflexible rods which require drill for installation , the Strand Rod is a compromising , whisper - thin band that is batten down using screws and an adhesive . It basically works in the same way as the traditional brace - and - bolt , but instead of anchoring the building ’s wall to its instauration , it tether the ceiling of the construction to the ground so that when the enceinte shake hits , the total construction moves together .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIorJpr784o
Komatsu Seiten recruited the legendary architect Kengo Kuma and Ejiri Structural Engineers to join forces on a visionary lotion for its headquarters , where they ’ve used the Strand Rods as an architectural element . The Strand drape off the side of the building like a harp , then are attached to the building ’s frame below the earth . The video above show how the internal walls were beef up by add webs of the material throughout .
This does n’t needfully mean Japan will go roll all buildings like natural rubber banding Ball . With the space the strands add to a structure ’s footprint , it ’s certainly not hardheaded for dense metropolis or taller building . But I could decidedly see it being used to protect a fragile turning point in a seismically active area that might not survive more invasive expression . Plus , the thin laurel wreath of atomic number 6 fiber look beautiful on their own . imagine of it as a well - designed architectural safety net .
[ Komatsu Seiten Fabric Laboratory ]
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