Obayashi Develops Less Costly Ceiling Reinforcement Approach

TOKYO (Nikkei)--Obayashi Corp. (1802) has developed a construction method that can reduce by 25% the cost of seismic reinforcement of ceiling panels.

Developed for so-called system ceilings, in which space for air conditioning ducts is installed on the back of multiple panels suspended from a framework, the new technology places steel bracing between the metal bolts from which the ceiling panels are suspended.

Metal connectors that hold the ends of the bracing to the bolts are also fastened to the panels, keeping them horizontal and preventing them from swaying like a pendulum during earthquakes.

It takes around 10 days to reinforce 200 sq. meters of ceiling in this manner, enabling the ceiling to withstand a temblor registering a 6 on Japan's seismic intensity scale.

This method costs around 1,500 yen per sq. meter, while conventional methods cost around 2,000 yen.

In addition to reinforcing panels, the new approach can be used to seismically reinforce air conditioning equipment installed in the ceiling by using L-shaped metal hardware to connect it to ceiling panels.

The company hopes to use the new technology to win 100 ceiling reinforcement projects in the year ending March 2014.

(The Nikkei Business Daily, Feb. 19 edition)

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