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Japan-based Komatsu Seiten Fabric Laboratory developed an innovative thermoplastic carbon fiber composite called CABKOMA Strand Rod in 2016. It is an efficient seismic reinforcement material that is being used in Komatsu Seiten’s head office exterior to protect it from earthquakes.
Image Credits: Takumi Ota
Komatsu Seiten used these carbon strands to make an interlocking webbing system that can transfer the earthquake forces directly to the ground to prevent vibrations in buildings.
The CABKOMA strand rod has a carbon-fiber core and an outer layer of inorganic fiber into which thermoplastic resin is impregnated. The use of thermoplastic resin helps to reform the material by heating even after it undergoes hardening.
The CABKOMA strand rods are easily transportable as they are lightweight. For example, a 160 m length roll of strand rod weighs just 12 kg.
Image Credits: Cabkoma
The carbon strand rod possesses high tensile strength and corrosion resistance, excellent durability, low dimensional change with temperature, and less weight (around ⅕ weight of iron).
Image Credits: Shinkenchiku
One prudent way to protect buildings from earthquake forces is to design an earthquake-resistant structure. But this cannot be implemented in an existing building that has been constructed without considering seismic forces. CABKOMA strand rods are an innovative solution to protect structures built without considering earthquake resistance.
FAQs
Japan-based Komatsu Seiten Fabric Laboratory developed an innovative thermoplastic carbon fiber composite called CABKOMA Strand Rod in 2016. It is an efficient seismic reinforcement material that is being used in Komatsu Seiten’s head office exterior to protect it from earthquakes.
When used in buildings, these carbon strands make an interlocking webbing system that can transfer the earthquake forces directly to the ground to prevent building vibration.
The CABKOMA strand rod has a carbon-fiber core and an outer layer of inorganic fiber into which thermoplastic resin is impregnated.
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