Advances in Steel Structures and Steel Materials in Japan

Abstract

There are around six hundred thousand buildings that are built every year in Japan, and approximately 40% of them are constructed using steel frames. This wide application of steel frames is largely because of the continuing technological advancements in structural steel systems and steel materials for meeting a variety of needs that have evolved in the market. In this paper, starting with an overview of steel buildings in Japan, some of the advanced steel materials such as high-strength steels and seismic resistant steels are outlined with their backgrounds. Since the material advancements in Japan are largely motivated by frequent large earthquakes, the relations with seismic design are stressed throughout the paper.

Prevention/mitigation of natural disasters in urban areas

“…However, they are more vulnerable to fire. It may be less well known that in Japan, most public buildings and apartment buildings have steel structures instead of reinforced concrete structures [90]. Steel structures for building have higher earthquake resistance but are more expansive.…”