The seismic isolation system is a structurally applicable construction method for existing buildings, for the purpose of preserving them for future generations. Such retrofitting is relatively new and is vital for the reinforcement and safety of buildings in the event of earthquakes. It is not only effective for historical and culturally important properties, but also for all types of buildings. A lot of new seismically isolated buildings have sprung up in Japan, totaling approximately 2,200 at present. Retrofitting accounts for approximately 4 % of that. The National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo was the first building retrofitted with seismic isolation. The features of some of the others are shown in our paper. The "operate-under-construction method" of retrofitting accounts for one-third of the whole. By this method, occupants in the building can continue their operations during retrofitting by this method. Another method is the "move-out method", which requires occupants to temporarily relocate during retrofitting. If it is decided to renovate a building, it is necessary to consider what kind of procedures should be adopted, and to decide what type of retrofitting method to use. We discuss them in our paper. In addition, other important matters for retrofitting are explained with a flow-chart, while showing an example of buildings retrofitted with seismic isolation (SI).
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