Office Buildings In Tokyo Research Articles

Application of Hybrid Sliding Isolation System to Buildings

This paper introduces a new base isolation system—a friction‐controllable sliding system—for seismic response control of buildings. To overcome the limitations of conventional passive sliding isolation systems, a hybrid sliding system has been developed using friction‐controllable bearings. This innovative system uses a variable friction force produced by changing the pressure in its fluid chamber with computer control. In this study, the applicability of this system to buildings is examined through computer‐simulation analysis. A control algorithm is developed for this purpose, which considers various problems associated with the application of this system to buildings. It is shown that this hybrid system is more effective for earthquakes with a broad range of intensity, compared to its conventional passive counterparts. The proposed hybrid system is in the process of being installed in a four‐story office building in Tokyo to replace the existing passive isolation system.

Statistical Analysis of Energy Conservation Planning Report on Office Building in Tokyo

Statistical Analysis of Energy Conservation Planning Report on Office Building in Tokyo

Field investigation of odor intensity and acceptability of tobacco smoke in air-conditioned spaces

This paper presents basic data for estimating the degree of odor in the air obtained from the results of measurement in air-conditioned office spaces. The measurements were made in an office building in Tokyo on 4 and 5 August 1987. The occupants were asked to evaluate odor intensity on scale and acceptability and to answer some questions about odor, while concentration of carbon dioxide and particles in the air, air temperature and relative humidity were measured. The air was sampled four times a day. The air quality was voted on a scale and the acceptability was judged by the panel which consisted of four men and four women. The concentration of the odor was measured by a triangle test with sample bags. Though the concentrations of CO 2 and particles were low, the odor intensity judged by the panel was high. This is possibly due to background odor. The acceptance by the panel was less than 50%. About 30% of the occupants perceived tobacco smoke as a distinct source of odor.

Movement Of People On Stairs During A Fire Evacuation Drill-japanese Experience In A Hgirise Office Building

Behaviour of people during a simulated fire evacuation practice in a highrise office building in Tokyo was observed through video recording: subjective evaluation by the evacuees was also collected. About a fifth of the residents present in the building evacuated through two emergency stairs to the ground. The result suggests that stagnation of flow within the stairwell was noted in several spots even at this small number of evacuees. It was pointed out that doors opening into the stairway obstructed the smooth flow of people in the stairwell. Simultaneous total evacuation seems impractical in highrise buildings; reasonable procedures for selective evacuation need to be developed. It is also concluded that more frequent education on fire safety is necessary for the building users to get accustomed to the evacuation procedures and facilities.