taking cover under the ‘earthquake proof table’
at any given time, more than 300,000,000 pupils worldwide are facing impending danger since their schools are not built to withstand an earthquake. of special concern are areas along geological rift lines and children in developing countries, where construction quality can be poor. while it is common to instruct pupils to crawl under tables in case of an earthquake, existing non earthquake designated classroom tables often turn into lethal traps for those taking refuge. the "earthquake-proof table" is designed for a range of building types and collapse scenarios. it provides a comprehensive solution by creating both covering protection and passageways for rescue team accessibility. to date, the patent pending design has successfully withstood a series of rigorous vertical impact tests and is currently awaiting official approval of the world leading structural engineering department of padua university, italy. in addition to different weight and ceiling collapse patterns, the earthquake-proof table takes into account the financial limitations of the schools that need it. this is achieved through cost effective, yet responsible production methods and durable inexpensive materials. designed according to sound ergonomic principles, the earthquake table is light enough for two children to lift and move, as well as adapted to classroom cleaning and other routine, non-emergency needs. the "earthquake proof table" is a partnership between designers and developers arthur brutter and ido bruno, with the bezalel academy labs.
the table
Detail of shock absorbing element and instruction graphic
Standard school table impact test
1000 Kg steel and concrete block at moment of impact
1000 Kg steel and concrete block after impact
1000 Kg stone and debris sack impact test
engineers examining test results
details of various crush zones and elements
1000 Kg sack lifted off the table after impact
arthur brutter demonstrating rescue tunnel
ido bruno and arthur brutter taking cover
