Deformation of the foundation and structure of Tomioka Silk Mill’s East Cocoon Warehouse

A geotechnical study of the East Cocoon Warehouse at Japan's Tomioka Silk Mill, built during the Meiji era using imported technology, reveals remarkable structural stability after 145 years. Despite significant differential settlements—up to 44 mm among foundation stones and 33 mm in the silk reeling mill—the warehouse has maintained its original state without notable pillar inclinations. The research, measuring deformations across 92 foundation stones spanning 233.4 meters, demonstrates that early Meiji-era geotechnical practices were sophisticated, comparable to modern standards. These findings highlight the durability of the warehouse's simply yet suitably designed foundation.

Shogaki, T., Fujii, Y., & Nakagawara, Y. (2019). Deformation of the foundation and structure of Tomioka Silk Mill’s East Cocoon Warehouse. Soils and Foundations, 59(4), 789–800. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sandf.2018.11.004