[Public Experiment Held] evoltz Seismic Damping Device for Wooden Houses. "Toyama Shindai Experiment 2026" to Verify Differences Between Seismic Resistance and Damping! Demonstrating the Necessity of Seismic Damping Devices in Repeated Major Earthquakes
evoltz Co., Ltd. conducted the "Toyama Shindai Experiment 2026" to demonstrate the performance of its seismic damping device "evoltz" for wooden houses. Compared to a structure with only seismic resistance grade 3, the structure equipped with evoltz showed overwhelming durability and deformation suppression effects against repeated strong earthquakes, demonstrating its necessity.
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- 📰 Published: June 10, 2026 at 17:30
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Shooting after the experiment
Evoltz Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Representative Director: Yukihisa Atsumi), which plans, develops, and sells seismic damping devices for wooden houses, held the "Toyama Shindai Experiment 2026" in a public format at an experimental facility in Toyama Prefecture on May 27th and 28th, 2026, to demonstrate the performance of its seismic damping device "evoltz."
Many housing businesses from all over the country participated in this experiment, including companies that have already adopted "evoltz" and housing manufacturers and architectural firms considering its introduction.
(Number of participants: 26 companies, 69 people)
■ Background and Objectives of this Public Experiment
Recent earthquakes such as the Kumamoto Earthquake and the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in Reiwa 6 have seen repeated strong tremors of magnitude 7 (foreshocks, main shock, aftershocks) occurring one after another without pause, causing many wooden houses to collapse or be severely damaged.
Even buildings with "Seismic Resistance Grade 3" that have withstood a single major earthquake are at risk of exceeding their safety limits on the second or third tremor if damage accumulates in the structural components (nail holes, etc.) due to repeated strong shaking.
This experiment, themed "How to Maintain the Strength of Seismic Resistance Grade 3 for a Long Time," reproduced the actual seismic waves of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake and verified in real-time the differences in building damage and durability with and without a seismic damping device.
■ Experiment Overview
Two wooden house structures (test specimens) were prepared, and vibration tests were conducted under the following different conditions:
(1) Structure A (Seismic Resistance Grade 3 only): A structure assuming the wall quantity for Seismic Resistance Grade 3 in allowable stress calculation.
(2) Structure B (Seismic Resistance Grade 3 + evoltz installed): A structure assuming the wall quantity for Seismic Resistance Grade 3 in allowable stress calculation + "evoltz" installed.
Seismic waves simulating the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in Reiwa 6 were input into both structures.
Alternating vibrations simulating intensity 5 upper to 6 lower (BSL45) and intensity 6 upper to 7 (BSL91) were repeatedly applied, and the differences in behavior and inter-story drift angles were measured.
(1) Structure A (Seismic Resistance Grade 3 only)
■ Experiment Content and Results: Demonstrated Overwhelming Durability and Deformation Suppression Effect
The experiment confirmed a decisive difference in building durability depending on the presence or absence of a seismic damping device.
(1) Structure A (Seismic Resistance Grade 3 only)
During the first tremor of intensity 6 upper to 7 class (2nd vibration in total), the damage remained within the damage limit (minor damage) without significant harm to finishes or exterior materials, demonstrating the strength of Seismic Resistance Grade 3. However, as a result of repeated strong tremors of the same class, the inter-story drift angle reached the safety limit (the line beyond which collapse is feared) of "1/34 rad (deformation amount 82mm)" during the 4th vibration in total, and the experiment was stopped for safety reasons.
Participants observing the extent of damage
(2) Structure B (Seismic Resistance Grade 3 + evoltz installed)
Reacted immediately from the initial micro-vibrations. Even after experiencing two strong tremors of intensity 6 upper to 7 class (4th vibration in total), the inter-story drift angle was suppressed to "1/77 rad (deformation amount 36mm)." This is a smaller value than the deformation experienced by Structure A during its "first" tremor.
The experiment continued, and even after enduring a total of 8 severe vibrations, it did not reach the safety limit, with overwhelming margin remaining.
[Inter-story Drift Angle and Deformation Comparison Data]
4th Vibration (Intensity 6 upper to 7 assumed): * Structure A (Seismic Resistance Grade 3 only): 82mm (1/34 rad) ❌ Experiment stopped due to reaching safety limit
Structure B (with evoltz): 36mm (1/77 rad) ⭕️ Deformation suppressed to less than half of A
8th Vibration (Intensity 6 upper to 7 assumed):
Structure B (with evoltz): 54mm (1/52 rad) ⭕️ Maintained high safety
Post-experiment structural verification revealed nail hole expansion and nail breakage in Structure A, while Structure B with evoltz showed very little deformation in the nail holes, visually proving that the structure itself was strongly protected.
■ Explanation by Mr. Minoru Sato, Organizer of Kōzō Juku
Mr. Sato of M's Structural Design Co., Ltd.
Mr. Minoru Sato, representative of M's Structural Design Co., Ltd. and organizer of "Kōzō Juku," attended this experiment. Mr. Sato, who has conducted on-site inspections of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, provided the following explanation as a special lecture.
[Mr. Minoru Sato's Explanation]
"Before considering a seismic damping device, it is essential to design with 'Seismic Resistance Grade 3 based on allowable stress calculation.' The true role of a seismic damping device is not a magic bullet to make buildings stronger, but **'to maintain the performance of Seismic Resistance Grade 3 for a long time.'** Even if a seismic damping device is installed in a building with low seismic resistance that is significantly damaged by the first major earthquake, it will be difficult to continue living in it. A structural plan that combines high seismic performance with a seismic damping device like evoltz, which works from the initial micro-vibrations, is extremely effective in protecting the lives and assets of families from repeated aftershocks."
■ Seismic Damping Device "evoltz"
Responds from small tremors to ultra-major earthquakes with "Bilinear Characteristics."
The wooden house seismic damping device "evoltz" applies automotive shock absorber technology and is manufactured by a top German manufacturer under contract.
Unlike conventional seismic damping devices (displacement-dependent type) that become effective after significant deformation, it is a "velocity-dependent type" device that responds instantly and exhibits its effect from micro-vibrations such as seismic intensity 1 (before the house starts to deform) and wind or traffic vibrations. This performance is called "bilinear characteristics," and the company obtained a patent for developing a miniaturized product for wooden houses. It is highly compatible with rigid buildings of Seismic Resistance Grade 3, and with its functional beauty and high quality, which have cleared rigorous product testing, it continues to protect the homes that are the lives and assets of precious families from the threat of repeated earthquakes.
■ Company Profile
Company Name: evoltz Co., Ltd.
Representative Director: Yukihisa Atsumi
Date of Establishment: October 4, 2022
Capital: 9,900 thousand yen
Business Description: Planning, development, and sales of seismic damping devices; structural calculations and structural support for wooden buildings, and related businesses.
Headquarters/Tokai Branch: 2-3-6 Takaoka Nishi, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
East Japan Branch: 4F Tekko Building, 1-8-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
URL: https://www.evoltz.com/
[Contact for Inquiries Regarding This Matter]
Evoltz Co., Ltd. Marketing Team
Phone: 053-522-7766
Inquiries about experiment details and product details: https://www.evoltz.com/contact/contact01
Evoltz Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Representative Director: Yukihisa Atsumi), which plans, develops, and sells seismic damping devices for wooden houses, held the "Toyama Shindai Experiment 2026" in a public format at an experimental facility in Toyama Prefecture on May 27th and 28th, 2026, to demonstrate the performance of its seismic damping device "evoltz."
Many housing businesses from all over the country participated in this experiment, including companies that have already adopted "evoltz" and housing manufacturers and architectural firms considering its introduction.
(Number of participants: 26 companies, 69 people)
■ Background and Objectives of this Public Experiment
Recent earthquakes such as the Kumamoto Earthquake and the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in Reiwa 6 have seen repeated strong tremors of magnitude 7 (foreshocks, main shock, aftershocks) occurring one after another without pause, causing many wooden houses to collapse or be severely damaged.
Even buildings with "Seismic Resistance Grade 3" that have withstood a single major earthquake are at risk of exceeding their safety limits on the second or third tremor if damage accumulates in the structural components (nail holes, etc.) due to repeated strong shaking.
This experiment, themed "How to Maintain the Strength of Seismic Resistance Grade 3 for a Long Time," reproduced the actual seismic waves of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake and verified in real-time the differences in building damage and durability with and without a seismic damping device.
■ Experiment Overview
Two wooden house structures (test specimens) were prepared, and vibration tests were conducted under the following different conditions:
(1) Structure A (Seismic Resistance Grade 3 only): A structure assuming the wall quantity for Seismic Resistance Grade 3 in allowable stress calculation.
(2) Structure B (Seismic Resistance Grade 3 + evoltz installed): A structure assuming the wall quantity for Seismic Resistance Grade 3 in allowable stress calculation + "evoltz" installed.
Seismic waves simulating the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in Reiwa 6 were input into both structures.
Alternating vibrations simulating intensity 5 upper to 6 lower (BSL45) and intensity 6 upper to 7 (BSL91) were repeatedly applied, and the differences in behavior and inter-story drift angles were measured.
(1) Structure A (Seismic Resistance Grade 3 only)
■ Experiment Content and Results: Demonstrated Overwhelming Durability and Deformation Suppression Effect
The experiment confirmed a decisive difference in building durability depending on the presence or absence of a seismic damping device.
(1) Structure A (Seismic Resistance Grade 3 only)
During the first tremor of intensity 6 upper to 7 class (2nd vibration in total), the damage remained within the damage limit (minor damage) without significant harm to finishes or exterior materials, demonstrating the strength of Seismic Resistance Grade 3. However, as a result of repeated strong tremors of the same class, the inter-story drift angle reached the safety limit (the line beyond which collapse is feared) of "1/34 rad (deformation amount 82mm)" during the 4th vibration in total, and the experiment was stopped for safety reasons.
Participants observing the extent of damage
(2) Structure B (Seismic Resistance Grade 3 + evoltz installed)
Reacted immediately from the initial micro-vibrations. Even after experiencing two strong tremors of intensity 6 upper to 7 class (4th vibration in total), the inter-story drift angle was suppressed to "1/77 rad (deformation amount 36mm)." This is a smaller value than the deformation experienced by Structure A during its "first" tremor.
The experiment continued, and even after enduring a total of 8 severe vibrations, it did not reach the safety limit, with overwhelming margin remaining.
[Inter-story Drift Angle and Deformation Comparison Data]
4th Vibration (Intensity 6 upper to 7 assumed): * Structure A (Seismic Resistance Grade 3 only): 82mm (1/34 rad) ❌ Experiment stopped due to reaching safety limit
Structure B (with evoltz): 36mm (1/77 rad) ⭕️ Deformation suppressed to less than half of A
8th Vibration (Intensity 6 upper to 7 assumed):
Structure B (with evoltz): 54mm (1/52 rad) ⭕️ Maintained high safety
Post-experiment structural verification revealed nail hole expansion and nail breakage in Structure A, while Structure B with evoltz showed very little deformation in the nail holes, visually proving that the structure itself was strongly protected.
■ Explanation by Mr. Minoru Sato, Organizer of Kōzō Juku
Mr. Sato of M's Structural Design Co., Ltd.
Mr. Minoru Sato, representative of M's Structural Design Co., Ltd. and organizer of "Kōzō Juku," attended this experiment. Mr. Sato, who has conducted on-site inspections of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, provided the following explanation as a special lecture.
[Mr. Minoru Sato's Explanation]
"Before considering a seismic damping device, it is essential to design with 'Seismic Resistance Grade 3 based on allowable stress calculation.' The true role of a seismic damping device is not a magic bullet to make buildings stronger, but **'to maintain the performance of Seismic Resistance Grade 3 for a long time.'** Even if a seismic damping device is installed in a building with low seismic resistance that is significantly damaged by the first major earthquake, it will be difficult to continue living in it. A structural plan that combines high seismic performance with a seismic damping device like evoltz, which works from the initial micro-vibrations, is extremely effective in protecting the lives and assets of families from repeated aftershocks."
■ Seismic Damping Device "evoltz"
Responds from small tremors to ultra-major earthquakes with "Bilinear Characteristics."
The wooden house seismic damping device "evoltz" applies automotive shock absorber technology and is manufactured by a top German manufacturer under contract.
Unlike conventional seismic damping devices (displacement-dependent type) that become effective after significant deformation, it is a "velocity-dependent type" device that responds instantly and exhibits its effect from micro-vibrations such as seismic intensity 1 (before the house starts to deform) and wind or traffic vibrations. This performance is called "bilinear characteristics," and the company obtained a patent for developing a miniaturized product for wooden houses. It is highly compatible with rigid buildings of Seismic Resistance Grade 3, and with its functional beauty and high quality, which have cleared rigorous product testing, it continues to protect the homes that are the lives and assets of precious families from the threat of repeated earthquakes.
■ Company Profile
Company Name: evoltz Co., Ltd.
Representative Director: Yukihisa Atsumi
Date of Establishment: October 4, 2022
Capital: 9,900 thousand yen
Business Description: Planning, development, and sales of seismic damping devices; structural calculations and structural support for wooden buildings, and related businesses.
Headquarters/Tokai Branch: 2-3-6 Takaoka Nishi, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
East Japan Branch: 4F Tekko Building, 1-8-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
URL: https://www.evoltz.com/
[Contact for Inquiries Regarding This Matter]
Evoltz Co., Ltd. Marketing Team
Phone: 053-522-7766
Inquiries about experiment details and product details: https://www.evoltz.com/contact/contact01
FAQ
Why is Seismic Resistance Grade 3 alone insufficient?
In cases of repeated strong tremors of magnitude 7 class after an initial major earthquake, as seen in recent earthquakes, damage accumulates in the structure, posing a risk of exceeding safety limits on the second or third tremor.
How does the seismic damping device "evoltz" work?
It is a "velocity-dependent type" device applying automotive shock absorber technology, which responds instantly from small tremors and suppresses building deformation. Its patented "bilinear characteristics" are a key feature.
What are the specific numerical results of the experiment?
The structure with only Seismic Resistance Grade 3 reached its safety limit (82mm) on the 4th vibration, while the structure with evoltz installed was suppressed to 36mm under the same conditions and maintained safety after 8 vibrations.
What do experts say about seismic damping devices?
They state that the role of a seismic damping device is "to maintain the performance of Seismic Resistance Grade 3 for a long time," and combining it with high seismic resistance is extremely effective in protecting families from repeated aftershocks.
Where was this experiment conducted?
It was conducted at an experimental facility in Toyama Prefecture. A total of 69 participants from 26 companies nationwide attended the experiment.