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Lindólon: A Case Study about Tokamachi City Hall's Earthquake Engineering

Projects

Ayroso, John Lloyd B.

Leal, Felix Jr. S.

Macasayon, Mohammad Omar D.

Manalo, Rolan Van Q.

Sorongon, Justin E.

Villanueva, Gellie V.

Vista, Kyrene Joy C.

Notre Dame of Marbel University

CESPL 111 – Earthquake Engineering

ENGR. ABDULLAH L. GUIAMBANGAN, ME-CE

December 2023
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Table of Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................................. 5

Body......................................................................................................................... 8

History of Tokamachi City Hall ........................................................................... 8

Earthquake History of Tokamachi City............................................................... 9

Earthquake Proofing .......................................................................................... 11

Presentation .......................................................................................................... 13

Building Regulation in Japan (Version July 2013) .......................................... 16

Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 22

References ............................................................................................................ 23
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List of Tables

Table 1. 1 Strongest Earthquakes in Japan (WorldData.info) .................................... 7

Table 2. 1 Recent Earthquakes in Tokamachi (As of December 2023) .................... 10

Table 2. 2 Earthquakes in Japan after 2011 (Earthquake. Vector) .......................... 16

Table 2. 3 Damage to buildings from the viewpoint of the construction year of the

Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake (1995) by Interim Reports ................................... 17

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List of Figures

Figure 1. 1 Tokamachi City Hall Front View (Wikipedia) ........................................... 5

Figure 1. 2 Map of Niigata Prefecture ....................................................................... 6

Figure 1. 3 Strongest Earthquake in Japan Since 1950 (WorldData.info) .................7i

Figure 2. 1 Earthquakes Map Tokamachi (Earthquake.Zone) ................................. 10

Figure 2. 2 Earthquake Proofing (Dream Civil) ....................................................... 12

Figure 2. 3 Tokamachi City Hall Retrofitting ............................................................ 13

Figure 2. 4 Recent Amendment of the Act for Promotion of Seismic Retrofitting of

Buildings (Revised on May 29, 2013) ...................................................................... 18

Figure 2. 5 Seismic Retrofitting Techniques (BSL Japan 2013). ............................. 19

Figure 2. 6 Extension of Shear Walls (BSL Japan 2013). ....................................... 19

Figure 2. 7 Jacketing of Columns (BSL Japan 2013). ............................................ 20

Figure 2. 8 Structural List (BSL Japan 2013). ......................................................... 20

Figure 2. 9 Examples of Seismic Retrofitting (BSL Japan 2013) ............................. 21

Figure 2. 10 Seismic Retrofitting by Seismic Base Isolation System (BSL Japan

2013) ...................................................................................................................... 21
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Introduction

The Tokamachi City Hall located in Tokamachi, Japan is the administrative

hub of the city responsible for a wide range of governmental functions such as public

services, overseeing local governance, and serving as a liaison between the municipal

government and residents. The most significant event for Tokamachi City Hall is the

unification with the other nearby areas, becoming a united city under the name of

Tokamachi City. The unification took place in 2005, when Kawanishi, Matsunoyama,

Nakasato and Matsudai merged with Tokamachi City as part of administrative reforms

aimed at improving efficiency, reducing costs, and streamlining governance.

Figure 1. 1 Tokamachi City Hall Front View (Wikipedia)

Tokamachi City Hall's construction began in 1967 and concluded in 1969,

totaling a two-year duration. This time frame, mentioned by Tokamachi's Coordinator

for International Relations in 2003, details the precise timeline of the construction.

Throughout these two years, the planning, design, and construction stages unfolded

to establish the necessary framework for Tokamachi City Hall.

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Moreover, Tokamachi City, nestled in Japan's Niigata Fault, lies within a zone

prone to seismic activity, heightening its susceptibility to earthquakes. Throughout

history, Niigata Fault, particularly its coastal areas along the Sea of Japan, has

endured significant seismic occurrences. The area has faced earthquakes of diverse

strengths and scales.

In 1964, the Great Niigata Earthquake, registering at a magnitude of 7.5, struck

the region, resulting in substantial devastation and loss of life. This seismic event

inflicted severe damage upon structures and infrastructure in Niigata Prefecture,

including Tokamachi City. Furthermore, in 2004, the Chuetsu Earthquake, measuring

6.8 in magnitude, impacted Niigata Prefecture, causing structural harm to buildings,

and disrupting daily life across the region, Tokamachi City included. In Figure 1.2, we

can see the Map of Niigata Prefecture

Figure 1. 2 Map of Niigata Prefecture

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Figure 1. 3 Strongest Earthquake in Japan Since 1950 (WorldData.info)

Date Region Depth Magnitude Deaths

03/04/1952 Hokkaido 41 km 8.1 33
03/11/2011 Honshu 24 km 9.1 1475
Honshu (N, Aomori,
11/01/1989 Misawa) 34 km 7.4 0
09/25/2003 Hokkaido 6 km 8.3 0
07/23/1993 Japan 41 km 7.7 0
Bonin Islands
05/30/2015 [Chichijima Island] 11 km 7.8 0
09/05/2018 Hokkaido 35 km 6.6 44
03/16/2022 Off Fukushima 63 km 7.3 4

10/05/2023 Izu Islands 10 km 6.1 0

Table 1. 1 Strongest Earthquakes in Japan (WorldData.info)

With the presence of such earthquakes, many expectancies for earthquakes in

Tokamachi, infrastructures and houses resorted to steel retrofitting which makes an

infrastructure resistant to large scale earthquakes. This is where Tokamachi City Hall

capture its fame. The City Hall was one of the earliest structures that adapted to Steel

retrofitting and earthquake proofing which made it durable up unto this day

withstanding large-scale earthquakes.

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Body

In this Case Study, the researchers will be presenting all about the Earthquake

proofing designed on the Tokamachi City Hall for it to withstand even the largest

earthquakes. The following will be presented; History of Tokamachi City Hall,

Earthquake History of Japan and Tokamachi City, and Details of Earthquake Proofing.

This case study centers on Tokamachi City's endeavors to mitigate seismic risks,

focusing on the city's proactive measures to safeguard its residents and cultural

treasures against the recurrent seismic challenges encountered in the region.

History of Tokamachi City Hall

The Tokamachi City Hall was built on 1969 to serve as the economic provider

of the city. The construction of the City Hall started on 1967 which means the whole

duration of the construction of this building took 2 years to be finished (1967-1969).

The pivotal moment in the history of Tokamachi City Hall was its consolidation with

neighboring areas, uniting them into a single entity named Tokamachi City. This

amalgamation occurred in 2005, marking the integration of Kawanishi, Matsunoyama,

Nakasato, and Matsudai into Tokamachi City. the Earthquake proofing work was

completed in 2012 (the works started in 2011).

Japan, as per history, is one of the main countries that experiences vast array

of earthquakes due to the number of volcanoes and fault lines in the country, being

located near to the Pacific Ring of fire, almost every year and month in Japan,

earthquake really occurs. This means that the construction was made strong to

withstand earthquakes. The City Hall was durable at first being able to withstand

earthquakes in its neighboring cities but when the Honshu Earthquake occurred last

March 11, 2011, the City Hall began to produce signs of damages in its major parts.
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As a response to these events, the local community opted for earthquake-

proofing measures to safeguard the safety of Tokamachi's residents and protect the

cultural heritage housed within the City Hall. Commencing in 2011 and concluding

towards the conclusion of 2012, the construction for retrofitting lasted for over a year.

Following the completion of this retrofitting project, no major earthquakes were

experienced in Tokamachi. The retrofitting efforts notably enhanced the sense of

security among City Hall occupants, providing a substantial reinforcement against

potential seismic events.

Earthquake History of Tokamachi City

Japan stands as one of the most earthquake-prone countries globally,

experiencing a significant number of seismic activities due to its geographical location

along several active tectonic plate boundaries. The country's susceptibility to

earthquakes has led to substantial efforts in fortifying infrastructure and implementing

advanced seismic safety measures. One notable case study in this regard is

Tokamachi City, nestled in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. Despite its captivating landscape

and rich cultural heritage, the region faces persistent seismic threats, compelling the

city to proactively address earthquake vulnerabilities through robust engineering

initiatives and resilience strategies.

Tokamachi, being one of the cities of Japan, experience also a significant

number of earthquakes which affects the daily life of residents of Tokamachi. On table

2.1, you can see the number and interval of earthquakes experienced by Tokamachi

every month or day.

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Figure 2. 1 Earthquakes Map Tokamachi (Earthquake.Zone)

Table 2. 1 Recent Earthquakes in Tokamachi (As of December 2023)

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When the tables and figures are examined closely, a clear pattern that shows

the regular occurrence of seismic activity in Tokamachi can be seen. The data clearly

shows that the area experiences earthquakes with a magnitude of 4 or higher every

day. This recurrent seismic activity reveals a continuous and significant degree of plate

movement in the Tokamachi area.

Even though they are only moderately large earthquakes, such regular

occurrences highlight the natural activity that exists in this part of Niigata Prefecture.

Even though these earthquakes are frequently of a moderate size, their frequency

indicates a continuous state of seismic instability, which is consistent with the region's

dynamic geological setting. The ongoing seismic activity in the area makes it more

important for residents of Tokamachi to be resilient and prepared for earthquakes,

which emphasizes the significance of strong seismic safety measures in the area.

Earthquake Proofing

The initiative to reinforce Tokamachi City Hall in 2011 stemmed from the

catastrophic impact of the 9.1 magnitude Honshu Earthquake, which resulted in

significant damage to parts of the City Hall. Consequently, the inhabitants of

Tokamachi recognized the imperative need for earthquake-proofing measures. This

proactive step aimed to prevent potential casualties and mitigate the risk of extensive

destruction should a large-scale earthquake recur in the future.

The destruction caused by earthquakes mainly arises from the harm inflicted

on buildings, leading to loss of life, injuries, and substantial property damage.

Reinforcing buildings to endure seismic forces not only safeguards lives and prevents

injuries but also curtails the economic impact of these disasters. Moreover, there are

environmental benefits linked to fortifying structures, notably in lessening the number

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of debris requiring disposal in landfills. Additionally, by reducing the necessity for

extensive reconstruction, there is a decrease in resource usage and emissions, which

positively contributes to environmental sustainability.

Figure 2. 2 Earthquake Proofing (Dream Civil)

Earthquake proofing is a method used in construction that entails placing a

building on flexible materials like steel, rubber, and lead pads. During an earthquake,

when the ground moves, these isolators beneath the building vibrate, allowing the

structure above to stay relatively steady. This process is effective in absorbing the

seismic waves generated by the earthquake, thereby hindering their transmission

through the building's structure. As a result, Earthquake proofing significantly reduces

the impact of seismic forces on the building, enhancing its resilience against

earthquake-induced damage.
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Presentation

In the wake of the devastating 2011 earthquake that caused significant damage

to Tokamachi City Hall, the municipality embarked on a transformative journey toward

earthquake-proofing and reinforcing the structural integrity of this civic landmark. The

earthquake, which inflicted widespread destruction across various regions of Japan,

including Tokamachi City, underscored the urgent need for enhanced resilience

against seismic events. This catastrophic event prompted local authorities to initiate

comprehensive measures aimed at fortifying the City Hall's infrastructure to withstand

future seismic challenges and ensure the safety of its occupants. The reconstruction

and fortification efforts following the earthquake's impact served as a catalyst for a

profound overhaul in architectural and engineering strategies, emphasizing the

imperative of earthquake resilience in preserving vital public infrastructure.

Figure 2. 3 Tokamachi City Hall Retrofitting

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In Addition, the Tokamachi's Coordinator for International Relations (2023), In

2011, the initiation of seismic fortification efforts marked the beginning of a

transformative process for Tokamachi City Hall. This crucial undertaking, aimed at

earthquake-proofing the structure, reached its completion in 2012. Central to this

endeavor was the application of 22 earthquake-resistant brace reinforcements, a

widely acknowledged method renowned for significantly bolstering a building's ability

to withstand seismic tremors. These reinforcements not only enhance the overall

resilience of the edifice but also offer a degree of adaptability to accommodate

structural shifts in the event of an earthquake. The commitment to fortify Tokamachi

City Hall against potential seismic risks was evident in the substantial investment

allocated to this project, amounting to approximately 74,000,000 yen.

The completion of this earthquake-proofing initiative signified a pivotal

milestone for Tokamachi City Hall, ensuring greater safety and resilience against

seismic hazards. Even though after the retrofitting there were no significant large

earthquakes that strike in Tokamachi City, it is still a great precaution for future

disasters to occur. In Table 2.2, we can see large scale earthquakes that happened on

Japan, but we can observe that there was no direct hit on Tokamachi City.
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Date Region Depth Magnitude Deaths

03/11/2011 Honshu 24 km 9.1 1475

04/07/2011 Near E Coast Honshu 43 km 7.1 3

07/10/2011 Honshu (E Coast) 10 km 7.0 0

03/14/2012 Hokkaido 35 km 6.9 0

12/07/2012 Honshu (Miyagi Prefecture) 23 km 7.2 0

04/12/2013 Japan 17 km 5.8 0

04/17/2013 Miyakejima 33 km 5.8 0

10/25/2013 Honshu (E Coast) 7.1 0

03/13/2014 Southwestern 17 km 6.3 0

07/11/2014 Sanriku 22 km 6.5 0

11/22/2014 Nagano (Hakuba, Otari) 42 km 6.2 0

02/16/2015 Honshu 27 km 6.7 0

05/02/2015 Honshu (S. Of) 39 km 5.7 0

05/30/2015 Bonin Islands [Chichijima Is] 11 km 7.8 0

11/13/2015 Kyushu Island 3 km 6.7 0

04/15/2016 Kumamoto, Oita 22 km 7.0 50

08/20/2016 Off East Coast Honshu 26 km 6.0 0

10/21/2016 Kurayoshi 39 km 6.2 0

11/21/2016 Near E Coast Honshu 27 km 6.9 0

04/08/2018 Shimane Prefecture 10 km 5.7 0

05/06/2018 Honshu (S. Of) 10 km 5.4 0

06/17/2018 Osaka 10 km 5.5 5

09/05/2018 Hokkaido 35 km 6.6 44

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continuation…
06/18/2019 Niigata Prefecture 12 km 6.4 0

02/13/2021 Off Fukushima 49 km 7.1 1

03/20/2021 Honshu Island 43 km 7.0 0

03/16/2022 Off Fukushima 63 km 7.3 4

05/05/2023 Honshu (Ishikawa, Toyama) 8 km 6.2 1

10/05/2023 Izu Islands 10 km 6.1 0

10/08/2023 Izu Islands 10 km 4.9 0

Table 2. 2 Earthquakes in Japan after 2011 (Earthquake. Vector)

Building Regulation in Japan (Version July 2013)

Japan, as a country prone to earthquakes, has their own standards when it

comes to dealing with earthquakes. According to BSL Japan (2013), chapter 9 of the

code focuses on Seismic Retrofitting which is divided into three Backgrounds; Basic

Seismic Code in Japan (2018), Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake (1995) and the

Reinforcement of the New Law (1995). In figure 2.4, we can observe the Damage to

buildings from the viewpoint of the construction year of the Great Hanshin-Awaji

Earthquake (1995).
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Table 2. 3 Damage to buildings from the viewpoint of the construction year of the
Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake (1995) by Interim Reports

With this set of casualties as well as fatalities, the National Government Policy

decide to implement the Act for Promotion of Seismic Retrofitting of Buildings enforced

on December 25, 1995, and was revised and enforced on January 26, 2006. The

National Policy promoted Seismic Assessment and seismic Retrofitting standards

which implied the Basic Policies and the Numerical Target (To raise proportion of

earthquake-resistant buildings to 90% by 2015) & provided Calculation Methods for

seismic assessment of buildings.

Moreover, the Local Government also added the order that they have the

capability to order building owners to retrofit their buildings based on the Building

Standard Law if the building has a risk if collapse. Penalties will be implemented in

cases where the building owners do not follow the order. In Figure 2.4, we can see the
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Recent Amendment of the Act for Promotion of Seismic Retrofitting of Buildings

(Revised on May 29, 2013).

Figure 2. 4 Recent Amendment of the Act for Promotion of Seismic Retrofitting of

Buildings (Revised on May 29, 2013)

The National Government of Japan also provided Seismic Retrofitting

Techniques that Engineers can use when retrofitting a certain infrastructure. It is

visualized in Figure 2.5, the Seismic Retrofitting Techniques (BSL Japan 2013). It is

also presented in Figure 2.6 up to Figure 2.10 the example and standard Retrofitting

Measures when considering Seismic Retrofitting in an infrastructure.

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Figure 2. 5 Seismic Retrofitting Techniques (BSL Japan 2013).

Figure 2. 6 Extension of Shear Walls (BSL Japan 2013).

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Figure 2. 7 Jacketing of Columns (BSL Japan 2013).

Figure 2. 8 Structural List (BSL Japan 2013).

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Figure 2. 9 Examples of Seismic Retrofitting (BSL Japan 2013)

Figure 2. 10 Seismic Retrofitting by Seismic Base Isolation System (BSL Japan

2013)
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Conclusion

The construction of Tokamachi City Hall commenced in 1967 and concluded in

1969. It played a pivotal role in merging neighboring cities such as Kawanishi,

Matsunoyama, Nakasato, and Matsudai into Tokamachi City back in 2005. Japan's

history of enduring significant earthquakes, including Tokamachi's encounters,

prompted the local government to revise regulations concerning infrastructures. They

mandated retrofitting for structures susceptible to failure or collapse. This measure

was implemented by Tokamachi City Hall following partial damage caused by the

Great Honshu Earthquake.

The earthquake-proofing endeavor, initiated in 2011 and finalized in 2012,

involved installing 22 earthquake-resistant braces. This technique significantly

bolsters the building's resilience and enables partial adaptation to structural shifts

during seismic events. The expenses incurred for this initiative totaled approximately

74,000,000 yen. Since 2012, Tokamachi hasn't experienced any major earthquakes

(the most recent significant one occurred on March 12th, 2011). Nonetheless, the

building remains in excellent condition, ensuring continued structural integrity.

In summary, the significance of seismic retrofitting in areas susceptible to

earthquakes becomes clear. Given the potential for a nationwide disaster at any

moment, taking precautionary measures such as seismic retrofitting is crucial. This

approach helps safeguard infrastructure, enhances safety, and reduces the risk of

significant casualties. The lessons drawn from this case study in Tokamachi are

applicable not only to this specific location but also to any structures situated in

earthquake-prone regions across the country.

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References

Pourghasemi, H. (2015). Geotechnical Distinction of Landslides induced by Near-

Field earthquakes in Niigata, Japan. Retrieved from:

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/geography/2015/359047/

WorldData.info (2017). Earthquakes in Japan. Retrieved from:

https://www.worlddata.info/asia/japan/earthquakes.php

Shine, I. (2023). This is how we can make buildings earthquake-proof. Retrieved

from: https://www.preventionweb.net/news/how-we-can-make-buildings-

earthquake-

proof#:~:text=Building%20damage%20is%20the%20primary,the%20building%

20from%20its%20foundations.

BigRentz (2023). How Earthquake-Proof Buildings Are Designed in 2023. Retrieved

from: https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/earthquake-proof-buildings

BSL Japan (2013). Introduction to the Building Standard Law (Building Regulation of

Japan). Retrieved from:

https://www.bcj.or.jp/upload/international/baseline/BSLIntroduction201307_e

Tokamachi's Coordinator for International Relations (2023). Basic Information

about the Tokamachi City Hall. Retrieved from: Instagram.com

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