Robustness
The inherent strength of an infrastructure asset or a system to withstand shocks and stresses that may be intrinsic or extrinsic in nature, without degradation or loss of functionality.
Earthquake countermeasures for buildings in Japan
Japan is highly vulnerable to earthquakes, experiencing over 5,000 minor earthquakes annually. In 2011, the Great Tohoku earthquake destroyed more than 100,000 buildings and triggered a nuclear disaster. The Japanese government is promoting earthquake-resistant housing, with the Building Standards Act including new earthquake resistance standards for buildings constructed after 1982. Multi-storey buildings commonly use seismic isolation and damping systems. During the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995, only 10 percent of buildings constructed after 1982 with new earthquake resistance standards suffered damages, compared to 30 percent of buildings with old standards. As of 2018, 87 percent of buildings in Japan are earthquake resistant.
Source: Ltd., P. H. (2022, July 29). Earthquake countermeasures for buildings in Japan. PLAZA HOMES. Retrieved December 27, 2022.