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Tokyo Skytree tries new method for snow, ice removal

15 Comments

Tokyo Skytree is taking a new measure to prevent snow and ice falling from the 634-meter-high tower this winter. Since construction began nine years ago through last year, 13 cases involving damage to cars and homes in the vicinity from falling ice or snow have been reported.

The company that operates Tokyo Skytree said it is using new equipment this year to clear away ice and snow, Fuji TV reported. The new machine emits a mixture of antifreeze and warm water through air pressure. Unlike already existing electronic equipment, the machine can be used even if it is far away from the power source.

The water temperature was also raised from 40 to 60 degrees. The machine can cover a wider range and clear snow more efficiently, the operator said.

The temperature around some parts of the tower is a few degrees lower than ground temperature, so snow and ice can accumulate even if it is not snowing at ground level.

Therefore, Tokyo Skytree is newly acquiring snow forecasts from the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience starting this winter.

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15 Comments
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Man, looking at this vast, concrete sprawl, I sure am glad I don't live in a Japanese city.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

Did they never have this kind of probem with Tokyo Tower, I wonder?

I get that Skytree is taller, narrower based, and built in close proximity to shops housing and roads. Lumps of ice come crashing down. Nightmare problem for the operators in winter.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

nandakandamanda - I think you comprehensively answered your own question.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

More worried about the thing falling over in a massive earthquake after faulty data and semi fake materials was revealed.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

One of my fiends lives about 800m away from the Skytree. His car was hit by a big piece of ice two years ago. It was irreparably damaged his car by crushing the roof. Of course he got an insurance claim and a new car, but his kids had been in the car less than half an hour beforehand. This I’ve build up on the Skytree is extremely dangerous and I fear it is only a matter of time before there is a death (or more). I’ve buildup prevention should have been part of the original design, not an afterthought.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Go easy with the anti-freeze - don't want to damage (car) paintwork for miles around.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Anti-freeze is toxic , why not consider electric heating cables or hot water tubes installed vertically so that no build up occurs being quickly reduced to harmless water with zero impact on all concerned ?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

GoodlucktoyouToday  05:47 pm JST

More worried about the thing falling over in a massive earthquake after faulty data and semi fake materials was revealed.

The SkyTree tower survived the 3/11 earthquake without any damage. I believe this was a sufficient stress test. Do not worry!

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Just looking at the photo I can guess how far the strong winter winds must blow that ice. Yikes!

Man, looking at this vast, concrete sprawl, I sure am glad I don't live in a Japanese city.

@kawabegawa198 That's a shame because Tokyo is an amazing city! Plus, there are mountains way higher than the 600m Skytree just an hour and a half from downtown.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

kawabegawa198 wrote Today 04:44 pm JST

Man, looking at this vast, concrete sprawl, I sure am glad I don't live in a Japanese city.

Yeahhhh.... because EVERY city in Japan looks like Tokyo, right?

Okayyy.....

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Man, looking at this vast, concrete sprawl, I sure am glad I don't live in a Japanese city.

yep lived in concrete jungle like that , never again, now theyre just useful for day trips, then GTFO back to the peace of the country side.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

@wtf, I agree with you, but some folk love the things you hate. I want get out of there almost as soon as I arrive, but a lot of my customers feel the same about visiting the sticks; some people don't trust air that they can't see.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Make sure thye don't use Etheline Gycol antifreeze as very toxic to animals and they like the sweet taste

0 ( +0 / -0 )

So the question is a bit like, how do you stop snow and ice falling off a tree?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Yeahhhh.... because EVERY city in Japan looks like Tokyo, right?

Every city in Japan looks exactly the same. You should really travel more before making such ignorant comments.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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