Seismic Isolation Research Promotion Organization, etc. / Full-scale seismic isolation test facility in Hyogo Prefecture to operate in FY2023, highest level of load capacity
Test facility under construction
Appearance
Kyoto University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, and the Seismic Isolation Research Promotion Organization (Representative Director Akira Wada) will operate a full-scale seismic isolation test facility in Hyogo Prefecture next year with the support of the government. Equipped with the world's top-class large load capacity and large horizontal deformation capacity, it can be used for experiments and performance confirmation by exciting seismic isolation bearings at high speed and large displacement. The actual large-scale test facility is the first in Japan. It can be tested without frictional force, etc., and the performance can be judged accurately, contributing to the enhancement of earthquake countermeasures for buildings and structures.
The full-scale seismic isolation test facility "E-Isolation" was installed in the Hyogo Seismic Engineering Research Center (E-Defense, Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture) of the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention, President Haruo Hayashi). It is part of the Cabinet Office Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) "Development of analysis methods using dynamic testing machines with high-precision load measurement mechanisms."
The testing machine consists of a vibration table, reaction beam, reaction wall, measuring equipment, etc. The maximum load capacity is 360,000 kgN (N) static vertically, 30,000 kg N dynamic, 6500 kg N static horizontally, 5100 kg N dynamic. A vertical displacement of 25 centimeters and a horizontal displacement of plus or minus 130 centimeters is possible. It does not require correction for friction and inertial force, and can measure with high accuracy even under conditions where a large axial force is applied.
It is expected to be used for research and development of seismic isolation and damping structures, performance verification tests of seismic isolation and damping members in actual projects, and research and development from overseas. It enables "hybrid simulation" that combines structural testing of seismic isolation members with modeled structural analysis, dynamic loading testing including joints, and earthquake response evaluation of large structures. With the support of the Japan Society of Seismic Isolation (Chairman Akinobu Nakazawa), a certification system will also be implemented.
The facility is a two-story S structure with a total of 1,658 square meters. Taisei Corporation is in charge of design and construction, and Kozo Keikaku Engineering is in charge of supervision. Taisei Corporation has placed an order for the machinery part with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The maintenance cost of the test machine is about 6 billion yen. It is scheduled to be completed this year, and after completion it will be owned by Tokyo Tech and will be entrusted with management. Full-scale operation is expected after summer. The cost per day (not including electricity costs) is about 1.3 million yen, and in the case of universities, half is considered as a guideline.
The organization held a tour on the 18th and reported on the status of maintenance. With the policy of "operating with various tests" (Representative Director Wada), we aim to become a base for seismic research in the world together with E-Defense.
