Back-up City for Tokyo

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:00:00 GMT

In the wake of the recent devastating earthquake in Japan, the Japanese government is exploring the idea of building a “back-up” city for Tokyo. The idea is that if disaster were ever to demolish Tokyo, the government could continue to function by moving to the back-up city. The back-up is named Integrated Resort, Tourism, Business and Backup City (IRTBBC). It will sit 300 miles west of Tokyo. In addition to being able to house the government, it will also include offices, resorts, casinos, and parks. IRTBBC would hold 50,000 residents and a workforce of 200,000. At this point the plan is still just a concept that will be further explored.

Japan’s Building Codes Saved Lives

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:45:00 GMT

Although the toll in lost life is still rising from Japan’s earthquake, it is safe to say that Japan’s building codes saved countless lives. As noted in a New York Times article, extra steel bracing, giant rubber pads, and embedded hydraulic shock absorbers are common features in Japan’s modern buildings.

Historically, building codes have been reviewed and revised after every major earthquake, and design professionals (especially structural engineers) should pay close attention to the proposed revisions in building codes.

Schinnerer's RM Blog - japan tag

Back-up City for Tokyo

Japan’s Building Codes Saved Lives