Case Studies of Seismic Nonstructural Retrofitting in
School Facilities

December 2005
Educational Facilities Research Center, National Institute for Educational Policy Research,
Study Group Report on the "Investigative Research for Promoting the Seismic
Retrofitting of School Facilities"

学校施設の質的改善を伴う耐震改修マニュアル

Case Studies of Seismic Nonstructural Retrofitting in School Facilities
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definition of Nonstructural Members
3. Case studies of seismic retrofitting
Cases of Seismic Nonstructural Retrofitting1) Ceiling material
2) Window and windowpane
3) Exterior wall and siding (concrete block, ALC, etc.)
4) Lighting fixture5) Outdoor unit (air conditioner and heating unit)
6) Elevated water tank and cooling tower
7) Chimney
8) Refrigerator9) Bookshelf and locker
10) TV and computer
11) Piano12) Machine tool13) Storage shelves in special classes
14) Equipment and facilities in gymnasiums15) Shoe locker16) Walls and gateposts17) External staircase and surroundings18) Retaining walls19) Other items
Reference 1

Bibliography

Reference 2

Investigative Research for Promoting the Seismic Retrofitting of School Facilities (Purpose of theStudy Group)Case Studies of Seismic Nonstructural Retrofitting in School Facilities

1. Introduction
Securing the safety of school facilities against earthquakes is important, because children spend alarge part of the day studying and playing at schools, which also act as emergency evacuation facilities for the
local community.
This document is intended for local authorities that establish schools, and for school teachers andstaff. It introduces examples of seismic retrofitting on nonstructural members that could be identified andimplemented through daily inspections.
With the introduction of the new seismic codes (1981) in the Building Standard, seismic retrofitting ofbuildings has made progress. For school facilities, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology (hereafter called; the Ministry) has established the Guideline for Improving the Seismic Resistanceof School Facilities (July 2003).
At the investigative research cooperator meeting for establishing the Guideline for Improvement of
School Facilities, which was held in March 2005, a proposal was made for the urgent improvement of seismic
resistance in school facilities. It is believed that further measures for improving the seismic performance ofschool buildings will proceed in the future.
Through these efforts, damages to the school main structure from earthquakes would be reduced.
However, when retrofitting is insufficient, nonstructural members, such as ceiling material, equipment, andvarious fixtures could fall or topple, and could cause significant harm to children and others.
In recent years, people have been harmed by falling nonstructural members from earthquakes, such as from theGeiyio Earthquake (March 2001), Mid-Niigata Prefecture Earthquake (October 2004) and the Fukuoka
Prefecture West Offshore Earthquake (March 2005). It is still fresh in our memories that many people, whowere inside a sports facility, were hurt from falling ceiling material during the earthquake (Magnitude 7.2,
maximum seismic intensity 6 lower), that occurred in August 16, 2005, with a hypocenter off the coast of
Miyagi Prefecture.
This case study is based on the "Investigative Survey Report on the Seismic Inspection of Nonstructural
Members in School Facilities" (March 2002) (hereafter called the "Academic Report on Nonstructural
Members"), which the Ministry commissioned the Architectural Institute of Japan to develop.
The examples of seismic non-structural retrofitting in school facilities show the conditions ofdamages from previous earthquakes, as well as retrofit examples, by using photos and illustrations to makethem easier to understand.
It is our hope that this case study, together with the "Academic Report on Nonstructural Members", will help
increase the awareness among school founders, administrators, teachers and staff, toward the need for seismic
retrofitting of non-structural members as well as toward retrofitting methods. Consequently, it is hoped that
this will contribute in securing the safety of students and children.

2. Definition of Nonstructural Member"Nonstructural member" refers to members other than major structures that are such as columns, beams, walls
and floors. In the narrow sense, the term indicates portions of structures, such as exterior walls, which are notmajor structures, but in the broad sense, this could include items, such as fixtures and furniture.
In this document, nonstructural members include all members and components (nonstructural member in the
broad sense that includes fixtures and furniture), excluding structural members. Such items will be referred toas "nonstructural members".
Table 1

Classification of members and components that compose structures

Categories

Sub-categories

Main

Items

Specific examples

Major structural item

Column, Horizontal member,Foundation, Piling

Structure
Main structure

structure

Roof , Column, Beam, Floor,
Stair

Structuralelement

Workpiece Specific structure
Secondary member

Chimney (more than 6 m high),
etc.
Precast panel frame
Wing wall,

OthersRC non-bearing wall

Hangingwall,Standing wall
Roof,

Portion of structureMinorstructure

Nonstructural construction Building attachment
element

Non-structural facility
element

Exterior wall,

Ceiling, Interior wall
Billboard,
Chimney (less than 6 m high),
etc.

Exterior items

Wall,

Attachment to main
structure

Expansion joint, etc.

Furniture and fixture

Furniture, Fixture, Ornaments

Equipment

Equipment unit

Pipe and ductwork

Vertical ductwork, Horizontal
ductwork, etc.

Other facilities

Elevator, Escalator

FenceNon－structuralmember
非構造部材

Structuralmember
構造部材
Overallstructure
建物全体（構造部材+非構造部材）(structural + non-structural members)

Only structuralmember
構造部材のみFigures were excerpt from the "Structural Training Materials" (Architectural Institute of Japan, ed.)

3. Case Studies of Seismic RetrofittingThis document looks into the following 19 cases of 'non-structural members' among school facilities thatare relatively prone to damages from earthquakes. Seismic nonstructural retrofitting of such item is thought to bepossible through daily inspections and at low costs. Then, the conditions of damage and cases of retrofitting will beshown.
For further information on retrofitting, please refer to related sections of the "Academic Report on
Non-structural Members".

№

Cases of retrofitting①

Ceiling material②

Window and windowpane③

Exterior wall and siding (concrete block and ALC walls)④

Lighting fixture⑤

Outdoor unit (air conditioner and heating unit)⑥

Elevated water tank and cooling tower⑦

Chimney⑧

Refrigerator⑨

Bookshelf and locker⑩

TV and computer

⑪

Piano

⑫

Machine tool⑬

Storage shelves in special classes⑭

Gymnasium equipment and facility⑮

Shoe locker⑯

Wall and gate post⑰

External staircase and surroundings⑱

Retaining wall⑲

Other items

Damage Conditions and Retrofitting; Case 1
Ceiling Material
Damages■Fallen auditorium ceiling・Auditorium ceiling material fell together with themounting brackets because of significant seismic
motion.

■Falling ceiling materials at the specialclassroom
・Ceiling boards fell together with the mounting
brackets because of significant seismic motion.

2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata

1993 Hokkaido Southwest Offshore Earthquake

Retrofitting
Ceilings with even surfaces

Walls andcolumns■ Daily inspection
・Verify that tie braces are installed by inspecting through accessports.
・Verify that intervals between hanging bolts are sufficient and thatthe bolts are tightened.
・Verify that ceiling board have not moved, cracked or deformed,
and that fasteners are not loose or rusted.
■ Retrofitting
・Provide sufficient space between ceiling material and wall orcolumn.
・Hanging bolts are long (≥1500 mm) in gymnasiums where there
are significant space between the roof and ceiling). Horizontal anddiagonal tie braces should be installed to prevent the ceiling frommoving.

Tie brace
Provide space (gap)

Ceiling surfaces that are uneven or set at different levels○ Ceiling surfaces set at different levels
・This results in some portions of ceilings with high or low
rigidity, which requires retrofitting, such as by securing space
between portions with different rigidity.

○ Ceiling with irregular horizontal layout
・Ceilings with irregular horizontal layout could be damaged
at the joint between the rectangular portions of ceilings.
Disconnecting the restraint at such joint is effective.

Provide space between
ceiling surfaces that are set
at different levels.
ColumnRestraint

Ceiling plan

Disconnect
Possible damage and falling

Direction of movement

beforehandSpace (gap)

Note (Reference)■ For retrofitting, refer to the "Survey report on ceiling damages at the airport terminal building from the 2003
Tokachi-oki Earthquake", cited in the "Measures against falling ceilings in buildings with large open spaces (Ministryof Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Oct. 14, 2003)".
◇http://www.nilim.go.jp/japanese/report/journal/tenjou.pdf

Damage Conditions and Retrofitting; Case2
Window and Windowpane

Damages■Damages attributed to the windowpane installation method
・Fixed windows were damaged, when installed with hardsealants according to the previous method in use before thecurrent provision*, and the windowpanes could not follow
structural deformation.
・When wire-reinforced glass is cracked, it does not fall, but
normal sheet glass becomes shattered and fall.

1993 Hokkaido Southwest Offshore Earthquake(Photo: Nakano Lb., IIS, University of Tokyo (a))■Derailed windows and doors
・The earthquake impact derailed the fixtures andbroke windowpanes.

1994 Sanriku Offshore Earthquake(Photo: Nakano Lab., IIS, University of Tokyo)■Damaged windowpane hit by braces.
・Buckled bracing members at the gymnasium protruded
in the lateral direction, hit the windowpane, and broke
the glass (Photo a).
2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata

Retrofitting■Prevent sidings from falling2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata

・Apply antishattering film on normal sheet glass,
to make it act like wire-reinforced glass, andprevent the glass from shattering and falling.
・Inspect that there are no degradation or looseningof fixtures. Adjust fixtures if necessary.
■Allow deformation of adjacent members

・Stop using hard sealants to fix sheet glass to thewindow frame. Install windowpanes inaccordance to the current design provision*.
・Use bracing connections that prevent buckling oftie braces in the lateral direction (Right photo).

2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata

Note (Reference)■For details, refer to the "Measures against earthquakes for windowpanes", Japan Building Disaster Prevention
Association.
◇ http://www.kenchiku-bosai.or.jp/topics/madogarasuNEWS.html*Design provision: Since Notification No.109, No.3, No.4 of 1978 by the Ministry of Construction, external
curtain walls that are more than three stories high should not use hard sealants to install windowpanes into fixedwindows. However, this could be exempt when wire-reinforced glass or other safety measures are implemented.

Exterior Sidings(Concrete Block and ALC Walls)

Damage Conditions and Retrofitting; Case 3

Damages■Collapsed concrete block sidings■Collapsed ALC* and precast panel sidings

・Staircase roof was directly hit by block sidings thatcollapsed from the gymnasium gable wall.

・Exterior sidings was damaged and had fallen, when
they could not follow the seismic deformation, or
when they collided with adjacent structures (mainstructures were steel in both cases).

2005 Fukuoka
Prefecture West
Offshore Earthquake

1995 South Hyogo Prefecture Earthquake(Photo: Nakano Lab., IIS, University of Tokyo)

Internal view of the roof
directly hit by collapsed
block sidings.
Collapsed concrete block
sidings

2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata

Retrofitting■Daily inspection
・Verify that exterior sidings have not degraded, such as loosening, uplifting, spalling, or cracking.
・Verify that the shape and dimensions of fasteners (mounting hardware for siding materials) are appropriate.
■Prevent sidings from falling・Repair spalling and cracked sidings by injecting resin, replacing fasteners, reinforcing to prevent collapse, or
refurbish with other building methods. (If immediate implementation is difficult, apply emergency measures, such as
by restricting entrance or passage by considering the potential area affected by falling material.)

Note (Reference)■ For refurbishment, refer to the report *1; "Investigative Survey on the Seismic Inspection of Nonstructural Members
in School Facilities".
*ALC panel: Autoclaved lightweight (aerated) concrete panel. The high temperature and high pressured steam cured'autoclaved aerated lightweight concrete' panel, which is a factory-fabricated building material that is light, fireproof,
and has high insulation performance. The material is frequently used as exterior sidings, and the standard panel size isabout 600 mm wide and 100 mm thick.
Precast concrete panel: A collective term for standardized reinforced concrete panels prefabricated in factories.
The material is used as columns, beams, wall panel, roof panel, etc., that are assembled at site to form structures.

Lighting Fixture

Damage Conditions and Retrofitting; Case

Damages■Fallen lighting fixture (chain pendant
type)・Lamps fell to the floor together withmounting brackets (chain pendant type).

2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata■Fallen lighting fixture (pipe hung type)・Lamps were left dangling when mounting
brackets in the ceiling failed.

2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata

Retrofitting■Daily inspection
・Verify that lamp mounting brackets are not loose.
・Verify that there is no rust or deterioration of mounting
brackets.
・Verify that lamp shades are not left loose.
■Retrofitting
・Modify hooks on mounting brackets to those with safety
latches (See figure below).
・By covering lamp chains with commercially available
plastic tubes, the earthquake impact on fixtures could be
reduced.*・Installing sway braces to pendant lights is effective, andelectrical raceways should be fixed to columns or walls (Seeright figure).

Install sway braces

Hanging bolt
Verify that sway braces are
installed
Electrical raceway

Fluorescent lamp
Example of sway brace

Modify hook

Stainless steel wire

Example of mounting anelectrical raceway

Note (Reference)■ Retrofitting methods above are excerpts from the report *1; "Investigative Survey on the Seismic Inspection of
Nonstructural Members in School Facilities".
■Replacing lamps with 'shatter-resistant fluorescent lamps' is also effective.
*Excerpt from the "Research and development on fall prevention", Fire Research Institute, Tokyo Fire Department.
◇http://www.tfd.metro.tokyo.jp/ts/skk/02-3.htm

Outdoor Unit
(air conditioner and heater)

Damage Conditions and Retrofitting; Case 5

Damages■ Overturned air conditioner outdoor unit
・The outdoor unit overturned when the mounting
fixture failed during the seismic impact.

■Dangers of placing outdoor units on eaves androofs.
・Falling air conditioner outdoor units that are
installed on roofs and balconies could harmpedestrians.

2005 Fukuoka Prefecture West
Offshore Earthquake

Retrofitting■Daily inspection
・Verify that there is no rust or deterioration of mounting
fixtures.
・Verify that mounting fixtures are intact and sufficiently
anchored to the base.
■Prevent overturning・Install restrainer to prevent uplift of outdoor units (See rightphoto).

Note (Reference)■ Sufficient care is needed for installing air conditioner outdoor units on roofs and balconies atthe second floor and above, since they could fall from the seismic impact and harm pedestrians.

Damage Conditions and Retrofitting; Case 6
Elevated Water Tank and Cooling Tower

Damages■Shifting on concrete base・Insufficient anchoring of elevated tanks andcooling towers result in shifting and displacementfrom the impact of the seismic motion.

■Shifting and displacement on concrete base.
・Seismic motion shifted the elevated water tank, which fell off
the base.
・The seismic motion shifted and overturned the concrete baseitself.

2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata

2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata

Retrofitting■Daily inspection
・Verify that there is no rust, deterioration or loosening of anchor bolts or uplift restrainers.
・Verify that there are no defects or damages on the concrete base where anchors or uplift restrainers are fixed.
・To continue the use of items from immediately after the earthquake, verify that the pipe connectors use flexible
joints.

Restrainer

Restrainer
変位吸収継手の例
Typicalflexible joint

For a unit with relatively low
center of gravity, a restrainerthat could restrain horizontal
displacements is sufficient.

For units with high center of gravity,
it is advisable to use restrainersthat could restrain horizontal displacement
and uplift.

Concrete base
Prior chipping of floor slab
and applying water whenpouring concrete are needed.
Floor slab
Insert and fix with concrete anchor (obtainsolid connection between rebar and anchor head)

Note (Reference)■ Countermeasures that are shown are excerpts from the "Disaster Management Manual", Institute of Industrial
Science, University of Tokyo (April 2002).

Damage Conditions and Retrofitting; Case 7

Chimney

Damages■Damage on reinforced concrete outdoor chimney■Tilted metal chimney

・Damage at the base of reinforced concrete chimney positioned
above the roof (See photo a)・Fallen chimneys that had stood along the school building.

・The top of indoor and outdoor metal chimneys
have tilted.

(a)1983 Japan Sea Earthquake(Photo: Nakano Lab., IIS, University of Tokyo)(b)2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata

1983 Japan Sea Earthquake(Photo: Nakano Lab., IIS, University of Tokyo)

2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata

Retrofitting■Daily inspection
・For concrete chimneys, verify that there are no degradations, such as cracks, detachment or spalling of surface mortar,
rusting rebars, and deterioration.
・For metal chimneys, verify that there are no rusting or degraded fixing brackets, loose fixing wires, or moving
chimneys.
・Inspect that old or unused chimneys are not left remaining in school.
■Prevent chimneys from overturning and falling・If possible, remove chimneys that have no plans to be used.
・Install sway brace on chimneys. For heavy concrete chimneys, the fixed end of fixing stay or wire should be
sufficiently bound or anchored.
・Chimneys that are difficult to reinforce should be removed when refurbishing the building. Until then, the chimney
should be reinforced as mentioned before, or for chimneys with small influence areas when they fall, entrance to thepotential influence areas should be restricted.

Note (Reference)■ For refurbishment, refer to the report *1; "Investigative Survey on the Seismic Inspection of Nonstructural
Members in School Facilities".

Damage Conditions and Retrofitting; Case 8
Kitchen Equipment, such as Refrigerator and Oven
Damages■Overturned oven
・The seismic motion caused the large kitchen ovento moved forward, hit the trolley and tilt steeply.

■Overturned refrigerator
・Large kitchen refrigerator fell forward because of
the seismic motion.

2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata

2004 Mid-Niigata Prefecture Earthquake

Retrofitting
Fixing bracket■Daily inspection
・Verify that the equipment is fixed to the floor with fixing
brackets at the support base, and the top part is fixed to thewall.
・Verify that the fixing brackets are not rusted or degraded.
・Verify that fixing brackets are not loose.
・Install equipment on flat surfaces to restrict overturning.
・To store heavy items, store items in low positions to keep
the center of gravity as low as possible.
■Retrofitting
・Equipment that is not fixed to the floor or wall, should besecured with fixing brackets.
・Fix equipment to the floor with adjustable fixing brackets.

Adjustable fixing
bracketFix to the floor slab

Cross section
Refrigerator
Refrigerator
Adjustable fixing
bracketAnchor bolt
Example of adjustablefixing bracket

Note■Seismic retrofitting of kitchen equipment, such as refrigerators, is important to prevent fires being caused byseismic motion, since fires are being used in the kitchen.
■Retrofitting methods above are excerpts from the report *1; "Investigative Survey on the Seismic Inspection of
Nonstructural Members in School Facilities".

Damage Conditions and Retrofitting; Case 9
Bookshelf and Lockers

Damages■Prevent overturning of bookshelves and lockers, andprevent contents from bursting out.
・Overturned bookshelves and lockers by the seismic motion.
The contents burst out and were scattered over the floor.

2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata

2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata

Retrofitting■Fixing and securing bookshelves and lockers
・Fix bookshelves and lockers to sturdy wall, beam or ceilingwith metal brackets.
・Interconnect the top of tall and shallow bookshelves.
・Bookshelves or lockers that are stacked should be fixed at
the base and at the joint.
・Install a latch at the center of front opening doors.

Install latch
to front
opening
doors.

Install front support
on shelves.

2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata

Note(Reference)■ Countermeasures that are shown are excerpt from the "Disaster Management Manual", Institute ofIndustrial Science, University of Tokyo (April 2002)

Damage Conditions and Retrofitting; Case 10

TV and Computers

Damage■TV that fell from the shelf
・TV that was placed on the shelf toppled and fell.
・There were many cases of TV that did not topple, but
skid off the shelf.
・Furthermore, TV and shelves that had toppled blocked
the classroom entrance and became obstacles toevacuation. (See photo a)■TV that fell from hanging shelf・Seismic motions caused the TV to skid off the hanging
shelf. (See photo b)
・TV falling off hanging shelves could cause serious head
injuries.
・Seismic motions caused desktop computers to fall off thedesk.

■Computers that fell (See photo c)(a) 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata(b) 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata(c) 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata

Retrofitting■TV placed on shelf
・The shelves should be relatively low and stable.
・When TVs are to be placed on relatively high shelves,the shelves should be prevented from overturning (SeeCase 9; bookshelves and locker).
・The TV should be sufficiently fixed to the shelf withbelts or other means to prevent it from skidding andfalling (See photo d and e)

・It is important to verify that hanging shelves are
sufficiently anchored to the concrete slab above the ceilingboard.

■Computer・To prevent desktop computers and displays fromoverturning, it is effective to secure their movement byusing tie-down straps and self-adhesive cushion pad(Photo f).

■TV placed on hanging shelves
・Verify that the mounting brackets of hanging shelves are
secure and not loose.
・The TV should be securely fixed to the shelf with belts
or other means to prevent it from skidding off (SeeExample of tie-down strap
photo d and e)

(d)

(e)

(f)

Note (Reference)■ TV stands on wheels could move significantly. Therefore, such TV stands should be fixed to prevent moving or
overturning.

■ Many commercially available TV stands could be fixed at the back. In such cases, they should always be fixed.

Damage Conditions and Retrofitting; Case 11

Piano

Damages■Skidding grand piano
・The grand piano side slipped from the seismic motion.
・In this case, the wheel restrainer and the piano slipped
together, and therefore, the movement was not significant.
However, if the wheel restrainer failed, the piano could haveslipped far greater distances.

2004 Mid-Niigata Prefecture Earthquake

Retrofitting■Grand piano
・The wheel restrainer of the grand piano was effective in
restraining horizontal movement. However, large seismic
motions accompanied by vertical movement could derail
the wheels.
・To prevent the piano wheels from derailing, deeper seismic
restrainers are more effective (See finger a).

・ It is also effective to install a support frame (custom
made) to prevent the grand piano from overturning (Seephoto b).
■Upright piano・Upright pianos are set with their backs against the wall.
・Fix the piano on a board to increase the area of the baseto prevent overturning (Photo c and d).

Roller wheel
Rubber seismic restrainer

(a)

(b)

Cross
Section(c)(d)

ピアノを板の上に固定
Fix upright
piano on to a board.

Note (Reference)
・It is also advisable to inspect the conditions of instruments other than the piano.

Damage Conditions and Retrofitting; Case 12

Machine Tools

Damages■Overturned machine tools
・Large machine tools used for training in a technicalhigh school side slipped from the base and wasoverturned by the seismic motion.
・Machine tools were often not fixed to the floor andconsequently sustained damages.

2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata

Retrofitting■Prevent machine tools from overturning
・Fix machine tools to the floor according to the
manufacturer's specification (Photo a).
・When it is difficult to fix to the floor, increasing thebase area, such as by using steel plates, is effective inpreventing the machine from overturning (Photo b).

・ Machine tools with relatively high center of gravity
are prone to overturning, and therefore, the machine
and its support frame (including the desk) should be
fixed to the floor. Inspect that the mounting
brackets are intact and not loose (Photos c and d).

(a)

(c)

(b)

(d)

Note (Reference)■ When machine tools are renewed, old tools are often left at the training room corner or in corridors without
being fixed. Large machine tools that are not in used should be discarded.

■ If they have to be temporarily left, they should be set in places with few passers-by and should be restrained,
such as with ropes, to prevent overturning.

Damage Conditions and Retrofitting; Case 13

Storage Shelves in Special Classrooms
Damages■Overturned dishes (Home economics
classroom)
・The seismic motion opened the front doors ofstorage shelves and the dishes fell to the floor.

■Overturned lab equipment (Science classroom)
・The seismic motion opened the front doors ofstorage shelves, and the contents fell to the floor,
destroying the lab equipment.
2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata

2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata■Retrofitting

Retrofitting

・Using antishattering films on glass shelf doors is
effective.
・Organize the contents of storage shelves.
・Install latches on shelf doors to prevent them from opening.
・Do not place heavy objects on upper shelves.
Support unstable equipment, such as by embedding in sand・Verify that the front latches of storage shelves are notbox or in divided containers to prevent overturning.
loose or rusted.
・Install support bars to the front of shelves to prevent
contents from side slipping.
Installlatch atSpread soft liner
Prevent overturning, suchthe center
sheets on shelves
as by fixing with wired.
to prevent theof shelfcontents from side
doors.

■Daily inspection

slipping.

Support unstableequipment, such as
by embedding in sandbox or in divided
containers to prevent
overturning.
Replace glass
containers withplastic ones asmuch as possible

Secure glass shelf doors
with antishattering films.

Install support bar on
shelves to prevent
contents from sideslipping.

Prevent shelves from overturning

It is advisable to installlatches at the top andbottom of shelf doors.

For only one latch,
install at the center of the
shelf door.

Positions of latches.

Note (Reference)■Retrofitting methods above are excerpts from the report*1; "Investigative Survey on the Seismic Inspection of
Nonstructural Members in School Facilities".

Damage Conditions and Retrofitting; Case 14

Gymnasium Equipment and Facilities

Damages■Overturned and damaged basketball goal・Seismic impact broke the support of the basketballgoal and it fell to the floor.

■Fallen gymnasium lights
・Many HID (high intensity discharge) lamps
installed at the gymnasium ceiling have fallen.

2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata■Fallen loudspeaker・Loudspeaker that was set by the wall, fell fromthe support frame onto the floor.

2003 North Miyagi
Prefecture Earthquake
2001 Geiyo Earthquake

Case Study■Daily inspection
Basketball goalpost, loudspeakers, etc.
・Verify that the mounting brackets and bolts are notloose or damaged.
・Verify that there is no rust or deterioration onmounting brackets.
Gymnasium lighting fixtures
・Verify that the mounting brackets of hanging lamps
are not rusted.
・For arena lighting fixtures, verify the safety ofmounting brackets for the hoist mechanism.

■Retrofitting
・Falling heavy objects, such as loudspeakers, could
cause considerable damage. Therefore, these have to
be securely fixed to the wall in at least two positions, atthe top and bottom of the loudspeaker.

Note (Reference)■The retrofitting above are excepts from the report *1; "Investigative Survey on the Seismic Inspection of
Nonstructural Members in School Facilities".

Damage Conditions and Retrofitting; Case 15

Shoe Locker

Damages■Overturned shoe locker
・The student shoe lockers at the entrance, which wereset back-to-back, were overturned like dominos by theseismic motion.
・Overturned shoe lockers could block the evacuationroute and obstruct evacuation after the earthquake.

2003 Tokachi-oki Earthquake

Retrofitting■Securely fix shoe lockers near the student entrance to the wall, such aswith support wires (Figure a).
・Shoe lockers that are not always set along the wall, such as those standingat the entrance. These should be fixed to the strong part of the ceiling or
the beam with metal brackets (Figure b).

■Damaged aquarium
・When items set near the entrance, such as aquariums, topple and break,they could obstruct evacuation. Therefore, the support frame should be
fixed with metal brackets. At the same time, to prevent the aquarium fromside slipping, it should be fixed with support or wire, together with selfadhesive cushion sheets.
・When it is difficult to apply such measures, items that could obstructevacuation should not be placed.

Shoe locker(b)

Prevented overturning by
countermeasures
2005 Fukuoka PrefectureWest Offshore Earthquake

WallRope retainer hook

Restrainer
hookOverturned andbroken aquarium

Rope or wire(a)

Note (Reference)■ Illustrations of countermeasures that are shown are excerpt from the "Disaster Management Manual", Institute ofIndustrial Science, University of Tokyo (April 2002)

Damage Conditions and Retrofitting; Case 16
Wall and Gatepost

Damages■Overturned or collapsed wall
・Stone and concrete block walls were toppled andcollapsed by strong seismic motions. Toppled orcollapsed walls are frequently reported in otherregions as well.

■Tilted, toppled or rotated gatepost.
・Gatepost that tilted by ground deformation in a schoolthat stood on sloping ground.
・On grounds that are not sloped, there were cases ofgateposts that rotated at the base and those that havetilted or toppled because of liquefaction.

2005 Fukuoka Prefecture West
2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata

Offshore Earthquake

1978 Miyagi-oki Earthquake

Retrofitting■Daily inspection
・Verify that the walls are not shaky, tilted, or unnecessarily high.
・Verify that the concrete block, masonry joint and steel rebars have not degraded or rusted.
・Verify that wall foundations are sufficiently embedded, and that the intervals between steel rebars, buttresses andstay posts are also sufficient.
・Verify that the heights of concrete block walls were not increased.

■Prevent overturning.
・Walls that are potentially dangerous should be
rebuilt, or replaced with light fences, such ashedges or wire fence.
・Reinforce with buttresses or steel support frames(See right photo).

1997 Northwest Kagoshima Prefecture Earthquake(Photo: Nakano Lab., IIS, University of Tokyo)

Note (Reference)■ Concrete block walls are specified in Item 8, Article 62 of the Building Standards.
■ For inspection and retrofitting of concrete block walls, refer to the pamphlet "Effort for building safe concrete
block walls" (Subcommittee on concrete block wall systems, Working committee on masonry wall construction,
Construction material committee of the Architectural Institute of Japan), which gives detailed information.
◇http://news-sv.aij.or.jp/zairyou/s2/index.html◇http://news-sv.aij.or.jp/zairyou/s2/pamphlet.PDF

Damage Conditions and Retrofitting; Case 17

External Staircase and Surroundings
Damages■Tilted steel external staircase
・The steel external staircase tilted from thefoundation.

■Tilted reinforced concrete wall of the external staircase
・The exterior wall of the staircase was damaged and tilted
outward.
・There are risks that these could collapse and fall from theaftershock.

1987 Chiba Prefecture East Offshore Earthquake
2004 Mid-Niigata Prefecture Earthquake(Photo: Nakano Lab., IIS, University of Tokyo)■Tilted reinforced concrete wall of a staircase
・The staircase wall of a gymnasium, which wasbuilt on a sloped ground, was damaged andbecame tilted.
・This appears to be caused by the effect of cracks
at the staircase floor from ground deformation.
Heavy reinforced concrete walls could easily tilt
or topple, once they are damaged by seismic
motions (See right photo).

2005 Fukuoka Prefecture West Offshore Earthquake

Retrofitting■Daily inspection
・Inspect and verify that the staircase is sufficiently and solidly joint to the structural frame, and that the staircase isstructurally sufficient to support itself. The inspection and verification should be performed together with theseismic evaluation of school buildings and gymnasiums.
・Verify that staircases are not shaky and that the anchor bolts have not degraded. It should be noted that, walls that
protrude or placed far from floor slabs or staircases, or walls that have no support members are prone to seismic
motions.

■Retrofitting
・When cracks occur on staircases and walls, or when they tilt after earthquakes, they are at risk of overturning or
falling. Therefore, these facilities should be prevented from being used, and considering their effects, entrance tonearby areas should be restricted.

Damage Conditions and Retrofitting; Case 18
Retaining Wall
Damages■Damages on retaining wall・Significant damage to retaining walls, such as the settlement of surrounding grounds, buckling or cracking
that accompanies ground deformation on sloped or developed grounds have occurred frequently (Photo a).
・Shifting of retaining walls, even those that are relatively new, have been observed (Photo b).

2004 Chuetsu Earthquake,
Niigata(Photo: Nakano Lab., IIS,
University of Tokyo)(a)■School ground that collapsed together with thecliff
・School ground, which stands on sloping groundthat collapsed with deformation of the ground.

2005 Fukuoka Prefecture West Offshore Earthquake(b)1995 South Hyogo Prefecture Earthquake(Photo: Nakano Lab., IIS, University ofTokyo)■School commuting route that was affected by theslope failure.
・The school commuting route was blocked as the slope
in the mountainous region failed.

2005 Fukuoka Prefecture West Offshore Earthquake

Retrofitting■Daily inspection
・Verify that there are no cracks or buckling of retaining wall
・When the building stands directly above or below a steep slope, and when people or vehicles travel such areas, thesafety of the ground and retaining walls against earthquakes should be studied by an expert.
■Retrofitting
・When cracks or shifting of retaining walls are confirmed after an earthquake, the fact that the retaining walls are at
risk of failing or tumbling should be clearly indicated at inside and outside the school. It is necessary to restrict
passers-by immediately, and notify the danger to students and public who may pass near the retaining wall.

Other Items

Damage Conditions and Retrofitting; Case 19

Damages■Overturned monuments
・Monuments and statues in the school ground were
overturned by earthquakes.
・There was a case in the past, where a stone lantern ina shrine was overturned and caused casualty. (1987
Chiba Prefecture Eastern Offshore Earthquake)2004 Chuetsu Earthquake,
Niigata1987 Chiba Prefecture
Eastern Offshore
Earthquake■Overturned snow fence material
・Timber for snow fences that were propped up against
the school building have toppled.
・Those that had been restrained by wires did not topple
significantly.

2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, Niigata

Retrofitting■Daily inspection
・Inspect inside and outside of buildings to see that there are no timber and long or wide stone plaques propped up
against the building wall.
・Verify that monuments are not shaky and that their foundations are sufficiently embedded.
■Prevent overturning.
・Implement measures to prevent timber and other material from collapsing. Then, they should be either piled flat,or restrained from toppling with wire, chain or rope.
・Verify that the restraining wire, chain and rope are of sufficient length (or height) and strength, considering theweight of the material. Then, the materials should not be tied loose and restrained by giving sufficientconsideration to the lengths of the material.
・Heavy objects such as stone plaque or monuments
should have their foundations sufficiently
embedded or sufficiently reinforced to prevent
them from toppling at the base.
* If immediate implementation is not possible, apply
emergency measures, such as by restricting
entrance or passing the surrounding areas.

1978 Miyagi-oki Earthquake (Photo: Nakano Lab., IIS,
University of Tokyo)

Note (Reference)■To prevent toppling, refer to the report *1; "Investigative Survey on the Seismic Inspection of Nonstructural Members
in School Facilities".