The science of earthquake-resistant design

It is true that earthquake-resistant design utilizes advanced sciences such as physics and mathematics, including mechanics from elasticity to plasticity and destruction, and vibration theory, and uses computers to perform huge calculations. However, science and technology are used to analyze what will happen to a structure when an earthquake or force is applied, and science alone cannot determine the form, which is the essence of the act of design. Earthquake-resistant design involves determining the form while confirming safety, while also considering functionality, harmony with aesthetics, ease of construction, and economic efficiency.

Architects, building owners, and society who are not directly involved in earthquake-resistant design expect earthquake-resistant design to be scientific in order to ensure the safety of life, body, and property from the threat of earthquakes. If it is science, it is either right or wrong. Therefore, we move forward to institutionalizing calculation methods and evaluation criteria and demanding strict monitoring.

Meanwhile, structural engineers who are directly involved in earthquake-resistant design also try to be scientific. Those who have loved and excelled at science-related studies since childhood go on to study architecture, and as they study architecture, they end up specializing in structural engineering. Science is at the core of what they learn and research while majoring in structural engineering. Mastering scientific questions becomes the identity of those who major in structural engineering. Even when they become involved in the practical aspects of Structural Engineering and earthquake-resistant design, it is natural that they value that identity, but they can easily become secluded within it.

It is important to master the science and technology related to earthquake-resistant design. Modern civilization has developed on the basis of science. In fact, science is the driving force behind improving the earthquake resistance of structures. However, if we decide that even non-scientific aspects are scientific, we risk heading in an unexpected direction. This is a modern-day concern that comes with the development of modern science. "Introduction to Pseudoscience" (Iwanami Shinsho, written by Ikeuchi Ryo) discusses the dangers of disguising things as science when they cannot be considered pure science, from fortune telling to earthquake prediction and global environmental issues, and argues that it is important for each individual to think for themselves.

Whether an earthquake will occur, what kind of earthquake it will be, how a complex building will shake when an earthquake occurs, what will happen, what should happen, and ultimately what kind of architecture should be built. There is still much we do not know, and there are still many worries about what to do. Earthquake-resistant design is an attempt to do something about these issues.

Engineers directly involved in earthquake-resistant design need to explain to the relevant parties the purpose of the earthquake resistance performance of the structures they design, their analysis, the results of their efforts, and their limitations, so that each individual can think for themselves. On the other hand, it is important for architects and building owners to receive explanations until they are satisfied. Earthquake-resistant design progresses when all the parties involved work together.