Japan’s Bridgestone Corporation has supplied its renowned seismic isolation bearings to two new home venues for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020. As a global partner for the Games, Bridgestone will provide advanced earthquake protection technology to the Tokyo Aquatics Centre and Ariake Arena, where swimming, diving and artistic swimming competitions; and volleyball and wheelchair basketball competitions will be held respectively.
Seismic isolation bearings are flexible structural supports sized between 600mm-1800mm diameters that isolate a structure from the ground to reduce the spread of seismic shock and decrease the chance of earthquake damage(s). Upon completion in 2019, the two new venues will feature a roof seismic isolation structure – in earthquake-prone Japan, installing the bearings beneath the roof lowers the burden placed on the roof’s structural support elements and is often used in open sporting arenas. The Bridgestone seismic isolation bearings installed at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre and Ariake Arena is expected to contribute to their safety as public recreation areas and cultural centres, well after the Games.
Tomohiro Kusano, Vice President and Senior Officer of Bridgestone said that the company’s seismic isolation bearings will assure a safe and enjoyable experience for athletes, visitors and guests to these two venues during Tokyo 2020.
Bridgestone is also set to provide mobility solutions to support Tokyo 2020. This exhibits Bridgestone’s commitment to the Olympic Movement and Paralympic Movement, which dates back a century and continues innovation and industry. The tyre and rubber manufacturers have finessed their seismic isolation technology in Japan since it was first introduced in 1984; the bearings are used in local disaster preparedness facilities, hospitals, government and commercial facilities, and historic landmarks such as Tokyo Station and Los Angeles City Hall.