How long is the product life of an isolation system? Accelerated aging tests demonstrate that multilayer rubber bearings for foundations could be used without problems for up to 80 years. As a practical example, in Australia, rubber bearings installed on a bridge over 100 years ago are still in service without any problems. Can pipes for gas and water be incorporated? No problem. Pipes for gas, water, sewage, and electricity are connected with loose-fitting flexible joints in order to prevent damage by earthquake. How much displacement is produced in isolation systems due to an earthquake? Although it depends on the earthquake and type of isolation system used, an isolator for a building will move about 20 to 30 cm in each direction in a major earthquake. Around buildings with isolation systems, there is a 40 to 50 cm clearance for movement. < Peripheral clearance of building > < Deformation > Will the isolation system move the building back to the original position after being deformed by an earthquake? Isolation systems are designed so that the building will move back to its original position. Does seismic isolation protect against vertical quake motion? In current isolation systems, vertical motion is not considered, because it is horizontal vibrations that cause objects to fall. For example, if you apply a vertical vibration to an object at rest on a board, it is hardly disrupted. But if you jolt the board horizontally, the object will fall. Earthquake vibration of buildings in the horizontal direction is considerably reduced by a seismic isolation system. Therefore, the isolation system prevents equipment from falling even in a vertical quake. The same is true of buildings. What fire precautions are taken for the isolation system? Isolation systems require little fire resistance because they are usually installed under the lowest floor of a building, where inflammable materials and ignition sources are not normally found. However, if multilayer rubber bearings are installed in the middle floor where a possibility of fire exists, some fire resistant protection is required. *Fireproof covers are available. Contact us for more information. Is the seismic isolation system always installed underground? In addition to underground systems, other places such as the ground floor and middle floor can also be suitable, as shown in the drawing. The position of the isolators depends on the function and design of the building. Isolation system can be applied to the whole site to create a local disaster prevention area. What kind of maintenance is required after the installation? Isolation systems with high durability do not require replacement. To maintain reliability and safety, periodic inspection of the building and the isolators is recommended. After it is struck by an earthquake with a seismic intensity greater than 5, basic inspection is required. Is a seismic isolation system relatively expensive? There are various other expenses other than the isolators. However, there are also benefits such as reduction in the required size of the structural members. The percentage of the cost for seismic isolation reduces for taller buildings. Generally, the additional cost for an isolation system installed in a building with over ten stories is 2 to 3 % of the total construction cost. In addition, considering that seismic isolation improves safety during an earthquake and saves repair costs after an earthquake, the lifecycle cost of a building can be reduced. What are merits of seismic isolation other than safety? As seismic isolation reduces earthquake forces acting on a building, design freedom is increased; complicated shapes or arrangements of buildings, larger openings and glass structures can also be incorporated. Open plan columned areas can be created and the ground floor can be used effectively for shops or show rooms.