KOMATSU MATERE
FABRIC LABORATORY [ fa-bo ]

Exterior facade designed using the motif of the fabric
The CABKOMA Strand Rod, which is arranged organically and softly, protects the building from earthquakes.

Testing reinforcement with the CABKOMA Strand Rod

Project for renovating the
former head office building of
Komatsu Matere

KOMATSU MATERE FABRIC LABORATORY
[ fa-bo ]

The world’s first seismic reinforcement structure using a carbon fiber material designed by Kengo Kuma, a world-renowned architect
-- “fa-bo,” a fabric laboratory with a new building material proposed by a fiber company --

The former head office building of Komatsu Matere was renovated with the world’s first seismic reinforcement that uses the CABKOMA Strand Rod, a thermoplastic carbon fiber composite, as the seismic reinforcing material. The use of textiles as building materials was also proposed -- including the “greenbiz” ultrafine porous spongy ceramic base, which is an eco-friendly building material. As a result, the building was recreated as the “fa-bo” fabric laboratory.

Architectural design
Kengo Kuma and Associates

Structural design
Ejiri Structural Engineers

  • For the seismic reinforcement and renovation of the former head office building of Komatsu Matere, a carbon fiber strand rod that was under development (hereafter, “CF rod”) was used, and a proposal was made in consideration of the possibility of a seismic reinforcing material with aesthetic quality.
  • Reinforcement with the CF rod is positioned as something that is over and above the requirement, and seismic reinforcement that satisfies the seismic performance required for conventional seismic reinforcement (Is = 0.60) has been done.

Reinforcement effectConceptual rendering of reinforcement

  • Seismic reinforcement was achieved with exterior CF rod drape and interior partition brace bearing walls.
  • The structural investigation was aimed at investigating how to prevent the reinforcing materials from affecting the existing building as well as evaluating the seismic strength.
  • The target values of the reinforcement criteria are as follows: → Exterior CF rods: Around 3% / Partition brace bearing walls: Around 10%

Approach to reinforcement

The reinforcement was planned such that the target reinforcement values would be reached with the story drift (1/250) equivalent to Fu’=1.0 in the seismic reinforcement proposal for the building.
Approach to reinforcement

*1: At F=1.0 deformation, the target value (10% to 13%) is achieved through the reinforcement.
*2: At F=2.0 deformation, ls>0.60 is achieved in the shear strength of the wall if 20% shear force remains. (It is necessary to ensure that class 2 structural material is absent in the event of the above deformation.)

ExteriorCF rod drape

This is a proposal for seismic reinforcement based on the tension bracing effect of the CF rod. The reinforcing effect for the overall building can be obtained by linking the roof level and ground level (foundation level).
CF rod drape

Verification of the reinforcement effect

Tensile strength applied to the rod in the event of an earthquake in the direction of X

Tensile strength applied to the rod in the event of an earthquake in the direction of X

Tensile strength applied to the rod in the event of an earthquake in the direction of Y

Tensile strength applied to the rod in the event of an earthquake in the direction of Y

InteriorPartition brace bearing wall

This is a proposal of a reinforcement method using tension brace comprising CF rods laid out in a diagonal mesh form. The reinforcing effect of the CF rods’ tensile resistance can be obtained by binding the surrounding steel frames to the existing building frame.
Partition brace bearing wall
Brace stress at story drift ob 1/250

Brace stress at story drift ob 1/250

[fa-bo] Press presentation / preview / opening ceremony / conversation

On Friday, November 13, 2015, a presentation, a preview, an inauguration ceremony and a social gathering were held.

Floor map
of [fa-bo]

INFORMATION

KOMATSU MATERE KOMATSU MATERE FABRIC LABORATORY [ fa-bo ]

Head Office: Nu 167, Hama-machi, Nomi-city, Ishikawa, Japan
Opening hours: 10:00 to 17:00
Closed on: Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and other days (please contact us for details)
Contact: General Affairs Department Phone: 81+761-55-8072

*By appointment only. (Please make an appointment by the day before your planned visit.)
*Tours of the facility will be available to the public from December 1, 2015.