The sophisticated instruments installed by Japanese engineers to their structures have helped a lot in minimizing the number of deaths during an earthquake. The early warning systems they have incorporated to alert the residence of a possible tsunami after an earthquake have proven effectively during the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami catastrophic disaster that hit Japan.
Japanese engineers have installed different technology to counter any earthquake that may hit Japan. One of the example of their significant achievement in terms of bridge design have proven effective to prevent more deaths.
Clever devices have been in constant research in Japan for they are prone to earthquake. One of the amazing display of engineering genius was the design of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Akashi Strait between Kobe and Awaji, Japan.
The counterweight system that have been embedded in Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and the use of dampers was proven effective during the dramatic test that saved lives when 1995 Kobe earthquake occured. The counterweight system was one of the clever devices that Japanese engineers have developed.
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge although affected slightly during the 1995 Kobe earthquake was still standing up to this time, the only thing that change was the 1 meter added to the span of 1,990 meters after it was affected by the 1995 Kobe earthquake.
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge was still the world’s longest expansion bridge built in the world’s most dangerous environment that was prone to earthquake.
Here is the video explanation regarding the Japanese anti-earthquake technology:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX9bYjkv_T8[/youtube]