Public Works Research Institute

Transcription

National Research and Development Agency
Public Works
Research
Institute
2015
土木研究所要覧2015-英.indd 1
15/08/26 12:58
8:49
15/08/04
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Message from the President
Taketo Uomoto
President
National Research and Development Agency
The Public Works Research Institute (PWRI) was transformed into a “national research and development
agency” as of April 1, 2015.
Incorporated administrative agencies were classified into the following three categories as of April 1,
2015 with the enforcement of the Amended General Rule Act for Independent Administrative
Corporations; “Agency Managed under the Medium-term Objectives”, “National Research and
Development Agency” and “Agency Engaged in Administrative Execution”, and PWRI was transformed
into a “national research and development agency” which mainly carries out research and development
regarding science and technology as a national policy, raises the level of technology in Japan and aims to
maximize the outcome of research and development in order to contribute to sound development of the
national economy and other public interests.
Japan is confronted with various issues such as intensified natural disasters and aging social infrastructures.
Therefore the importance of research and development on civil engineering technology required for
development of social infrastructures will further increase in the future.
PWRI has advanced research and development on civil engineering technology in order to contribute to
efficient development of good social infrastructures. Newly starting as a “national research and
development agency”, it is important for PWRI to promote research and development more than ever
and maximize the outcome of research and development. The nation and the society would also have
large expectations for research outcomes. In these circumstances, PWRI needs to have its sights firmly
fixed on specific measures for practical application of research outcomes in advance and further promote
efficient and effective collaboration on research and development with other agencies in order to
maximize the outcome. On the same date, April 1, 2015, “Innovative Materials and Resources Research
Center (iMaRRC)” was established in PWRI in order to cross-organizationally conduct survey researches
regarding practical use of innovative materials in the civil engineering field, advancement of civil
engineering materials such as durability enhancement, efficient use of disposals and related energies,
etc. in collaboration with external agencies.
PWRI will continue to respond to domestic social requests from both short- and long-term perspectives
as well as engaging in international contribution activities as a world-class core agency for civil
engineering. We would appreciate your continued support and cooperation in this regard.
April 1, 2015
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Contents
1
What is the Public Works Research Institute?
2
Number of Staff・Budget, Research Concepts & Attitudes of Researchers
3
Organization
4
Focused Research & Development (Priority Project Research & Sub-Priority Research)
21
Introduction of institutions
Tsukuba Central Research Institute
Construction Technology Research Department, Geology and Geotechnical Engineering Research
Group, Water Environment Research Group, Hydraulic Engineering Research Group, Erosion and
Sediment Control Research Group, Road Technology Research Group
Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Region
Cold-Region Construction Engineering Research Group, Cold-Region Maintenance Engineering
Research Group, Cold-Region Hydraulic and Aquatic Environment Engineering Research Group,
Cold-Region Road Engineering Research Group, Cold-Region Agricultural Development Research Group,
Director for Cold-Region Technology Development Coordination, Research Unit
International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM)
Water-related Hazard Research Group
Center for Advanced Engineering Structural Assessment and Research (CAESAR)
Bridge and Structural Engineering Research Group
Innovative Materials and Resources Research Center (iMaRRC)
Materials and Resources Research Group
44
Joint Research and Partnership with Other Organizations
45
Creation / Protection / Utilization of Intellectual Properties
46
Introduction of PWRI-Developed Technologies Utilized at Construction Sites
51
Technical Instruction
54
Dissemination of Research Findings
56
Open House
58
International Contribution
60
Introduction of Facilities
64
Lease System of Facilities
65
History of PWRI
66
Map and Access to PWRI
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What is the Public Works
Research Institute?
The National Research and Development Agency Public
Works Research Institute (PWRI) conducts high-quality
studies as a core institution of civil engineering research in
Japan. PWRI was founded to improve civil engineering
technology by conducting research and development on
civil engineering techniques, providing technical guidance,
disseminating research results, etc., and to contribute to
society by improving infrastructure and promoting
development of Hokkaido. PWRI began anew in April 2006,
when the Civil Engineering Research Institute of Hokkaido,
which had been established in 1937 as the Testing
Laboratory of the Civil Engineering Department of
Hokkaido Agency, was integrated into PWRI, which itself
had been established in 1920 as the Road Materials Testing
Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and was
transformed into a “national research and development
agency” in April 2015.
PWRI aims to deliver outstanding achievements that meet
public and international needs for civil engineering
techniques. To this end, PWRI is systematically promoting
research and development projects that are necessary to
improve civil engineering technologies, and construct and
manage infrastructure. PWRI focuses on priority projects
that are classified into four categories: “Realization of a safe
and secure society,” “Realization of a sustainable society
through green innovation,” “Strategic maintenance and
life extension of infrastructure,” and “International
contributions through civil engineering technology.”
The Tsukuba Central Research Institute
aims at improving civil engineering technology by conducting studies on
civil engineering techniques, experiments, research and development, as
well as giving technical instruction and disseminating research achievements.
It also aims at contributing to society by efficiently improving infrastructure
and appropriately accomplishing the duties in land, infrastructure, transport
and tourism policy.
The Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold
Region
Hokkaido has particularly severe winters and the widest spread in Japan of
peaty soft ground, one of the typical grounds in snowy and cold regions in
the world. Based in Hokkaido, the Civil Engineering Research Institute for
Cold Region aims at improving civil engineering technology by conducting
pioneering research and development, giving technical instruction and
disseminating research results widely to domestic and international snowy
and cold regions, and contributing to society by efficiently improving
infrastructure and promoting development in Hokkaido.
International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk
Management (ICHARM)
was established in March 2006 under the auspices of UNESCO, based on the
agreement between the Japanese government and UNESCO. The Centre will
utilize Japan’s accumulated achievements, and promote integrated studies
related to the prevention and mitigation of water-related disasters around
the world, disaster prevention training, and networking of information
related to water hazards.
Center for Advanced Engineering Structural
Assessment and Research (CAESAR)
In Japan, road structures such as bridges are subjected to heavy traffic and
severe natural environments. In addition, the numerous structures that were
built during Japan’s period of high economic growth are all aging. Against
this backdrop, urgent steps must be taken to evaluate the soundness of
these structures and to develop proper technologies and techniques for
maintaining and managing them.
For this purpose, on April 1, 2008, various existing research facilities were
integrated into CAESAR, the Center for Advanced Engineering Structural
Assessment and Research.
Innovative Materials and Resources Research
Center (iMaRRC)
In the material resource field, research and development have been
sophisticated and diversified. PWRI is asked to advance such sophistication
and diversification in collaboration with other research institutes and
contribute to effective maintenance and renewal of civil engineering
structures and building of a low-carbon recycling society.
For this purpose, the Innovative Materials and Resources Research Center
(iMaRRC) was established on April 1, 2015.
PUBLIC WORKS RESEARCH INSTITUTE 2015
1
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Number of Staff · Budget
Number of Staff
Executives
4
Administrative staff
124
Research staff
325
Full-time staff 449
Part-time executives
1
Budget
＊
Staff
453
Income from commissioned 57
research (projected)
438
Facilities expenses
431
Budget
9,426
Unit: one million yen
Grants for operating expenses
8,500
*Income from rented facilities and others (projected)
Note: Units are rounded off, so totals may not match.
As of April 2015
Research Concepts & Attitudes of Researchers
Research Concepts
1. Research that can assume the responsibility for society for the coming one
hundred years
2. Research that is recognized by academia and trusted by local communities and
practical engineers
3. Research that respects traditions and has enterprising spirit
Attitudes of Researchers
・ Work on research with a view to society for the coming one hundred years.
・ Remember that a wonderful study is an impressive one.
・ Endeavor to cultivate insight and culture at all times based on a broader vision.
・ At a critical moment, always consider the responsibility to coming generations.
・ Be enthusiastic and carry out discussions as much as you can without leaving
any doubts.
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Organization
As of April 1, 2015
General Affairs Department
General Affairs Division
Welfare Division
Budget and Accounting Division
Planning and Research Administration Department
Planning and Management Division
Research Evaluation and International Section
Facilities Management and Research Information Division
Tsukuba Central Research
Institute
Construction Technology Research Department
Advanced Technology Research Team
Geology and Geotechnical Engineering
Research Group
Geology Research Team
Soil Mechanics and Dynamics Research Team
Construction Technology Research Team
Water Environment Research Group
River Restoration Research Team
Water Quality Research Team
Aqua Restoration Research Center
Hydraulic Engineering Research Group
Dam and Appurtenant Structures Research Team
River and Dam Hydraulic Engineering Research Team
Erosion and Sediment Control Research Group
Volcano and Debris Flow Research Team
Landslide Research Team
Snow Avalanche and Landslide Research Center
Road Technology Research Group
President
Director for Geological Research
Acting President
Vice President
Civil Engineering Research
Institute for Cold Region
Auditor
（Executive Director for Research Coordination）
Pavement Research Team
Tunnel Research Team
Planning Division
Deputy Director for Research Coordination
Administration Department
Auditor (part-time)
Administration Division
Accounting and Contract Division
Director for Cold-Region Technology Development
Coordination
Councilor
Cold-Region Technology Promotion Division
(Northern Hokkaido and Eastern Hokkaido Branch Office)
Machinery Technology Research Team
Auditing Director
Cold-Region Construction Engineering Research
Group
Executive Director for Research
Coordination (2)
Structures Research Team
Geotechnical Research Team
Geological Hazards Research Team
Cold-Region Maintenance Engineering Research
Group
Audit Office
Materials Research Team
Road Maintenance Research Team
Cold-Region Hydraulic and Aquatic Environment
Engineering Research Group
River Engineering Research Team
Watershed Environmental Engineering Research Team
Port and Coast Research Team
Fisheries Engineering Research Team
Cold-Region Road Engineering Research Group
Traffic Engineering Research Team
Snow and Ice Research Team
Cold-Region Agricultural Development Research
Group
Rural Resources Conservation Research Team
Irrigation and Drainage Facilities Research Team
Director for Special Research
Director for Geological Research
International Centre for Water
Hazard and Risk Management
Chief Researcher (Communications and Training)
Chief Researcher (Risk Management)
Chief Researcher (Hydraulic and Hydrologic Engineering)
Center for Advanced Engineering
Structural Assessment and Research
Bridge and Structural Engineering Research Group
Research Coordinator for Earthquake Engineering
Chief Researcher (Management System and Substructures)
Chief Researcher (Structural Assessment and Superstructures)
Chief Researcher (Rehabilitation and Earthquake Engineering)
Chief Researcher (Inspection Technology and Concrete Structures)
Innovative Materials and
Resources Research Center
Chief Researcher (Cocrete and metallic materials)
Chief Researcher (Advanced materials and improvement)
Chief Researcher (Recycling)
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Focused Research & Development
(Priority Project Research & Sub-Priority Research)
The Public Works Research Institute is systematically promoting research and development projects that are necessary to improve
civil engineering technologies and construct and manage infrastructure. PWRI is committed to six focused R&D topics appropriately
corresponding to the four medium-term goals of “Realization of a safe and secure society,” “Realization of a sustainable society
through green innovation,” “Strategic maintenance and life extension of infrastructure,” and “International contributions through
civil engineering technology” that has high social demand.
List of Focused R&D Projects
Four goals
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Basic Research Plan
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Basic Research Plan in Hokkaido
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Technology Basic Plan
Science & Technology Basic Plan
A) Realization of a safe
and secure society
1) Research on prevention and mitigation of and early restoration from intensifying and diversifying natural disasters
Technological development contributing to the prevention and mitigation
of and early restoration from damages by earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic
eruptions, windstorms/floods, landslides, snow and ice disasters, etc.
2) Research on innovative technologies to make infrastructure green
Technological development contributing to the realization of a low-carbon
and low environmental-load society including use of renewable energy
sources such as biomass and cyclic use of natural resources
B) Realization of a
sustainable society
through green
innovation
3) Research on management technology of watersheds and
infrastructure for the realization of a nature-friendly
society
Technological development contributing to a sustainable society where
humankind can coexist with nature, including the preservation and
regeneration of natural environments, maintenance of sound water
supplies, development of production infrastructure in Hokkaido to
strengthen food supply capability, etc.
4) Research on strategic maintenance and management of
infrastructure stocks
C) Strategic maintenance
and life extension of
infrastructure
Technological development contributing to efficient maintenance and
management of infrastructure, given today’s aging infrastructure and
tight financial situation
5) Research on enhancement and life extension of
infrastructure function
Technological development contributing to the enhancement of the
original function of infrastructure and to promoting its social optimization
and life extension along with the progress of materials technologies
D) International contributions through civil
engineering technology
4
Six focused R&D topics
6) Research on support to Asia with Japan’s excellent civil
engineering technology
Technological development contributing to international development,
support to developing countries and international contributions such as
dissemination of technologies to Asia and other parts of the world
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A) Realization of a safe and secure society
1. Research on prevention and mitigation of and early restoration from intensifying and diversifying
natural disasters
Technological development on prevention and mitigation of intensifying water disasters due to climate
change
Frequent local heavy rains have occurred recently in
and outside of Japan. As one of the causes, there is a
concern over the global warming effect; the IPCC
fourth report predicts a rise in heavy rains that may
cause water disasters, devastation from typhoons and
intensification of associated storm surges.
Therefore, development of technology for forecasting
the effects of global warming with consideration for
the uncertainties of flood and drought, as well as
development of flood forecasting technology that can
respond to short-term rapid swollen water (flash
floods) in developing countries are desired.
In order to protect against flood disasters, it is
important to ensure the safety of river levees. However,
rapid and efficient implementation of countermeasures
for gigantic river levees requires the development of
levee reinforcing technologies. This included the
development of techniques that closely examine
penetration safety and seismic adequacy with full
consideration for levees, peripheral levees around
structures and foundation ground, as well as low-cost
penetration
countermeasures
and
effective
earthquake countermeasures.
The importance is that damage from flood disasters is
minimized as much as possible, therefore research
and development of supporting technologies for
mitigating the risks of water disasters in developing
countries are necessary.
This priority project research is aimed at contributing
to the planning, by implementing these studies, of
adaptive flood control measures for countering the
effects of climate change associated with global
warming, and to the mitigation of damage from
intensifying water disasters.
Research period: FY2011 – 2015
Project leader: Director of Construction Technology Research Department
Example of bias seen in global warming prediction model (MRI-GCM3.2S, 20-km mesh)
Development of forecasting technologies to predict effects of global warming
with consideration for uncertainties of flood and drought
Earthen
levee
Examination
of in-levee
situations by
geophysical
exploration
Examination of mechanisms of
victimization in model experiment
Foundation
ground
Geographical
reading result
Backswamp
Natural levee
Old river
channel
Research Summary
Back slope
Back slope
Spring point
Sliding point
Natural levee
Backswamp
Viscous soil layer (Backswamp)
Gravel layer (Alluvial)
Sand layer
(Meandering stream)
Close examination of victimization based on
geological cross section with consideration to
the topographical history
Close examination of penetration safety and seismic adequacy of levee as a system
Impermeable wall
Compaction
Shutdown at
the river side
Penetration measures
Permeable layer
Increased intensity
with sand pile
Sand
Earthquake measures
pile
Levee penetration/earthquake combined measures
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natural disasters
Development of reduction and early restoration technologies against large-scale sediment disasters
Research Summary
Recent frequent severe rainfalls and high magnitude
earthquakes have caused large-scale sediment
disasters and extensive damage in the affected
regions. This research is conducted to study techniques
for extracting potential hazards where large-scale
sediment and other disasters may occur, building
countermeasure
techniques
and
establishing
emergency restoration techniques with an aim to
build a society capable of quickly and effectively
recovering from a large-scale disaster.
(1) Establishing techniques for extracting potential
hazards where large-scale sediment and other
disasters may occur
Establishing techniques for extracting potential
hazards where there is a risk of sediment disaster due
to deep-seated collapses, abnormal sediment
disasters of natural dams and volcanic eruptions and
fluidizing landslides and establishing methods of
warning and evacuation will lead to better warning
systems that will help prevent the loss of life in
disasters.
(2) Establishing countermeasures against large-scale
sediment disasters
Improving the manual on risk management and
response in the event of abnormal sediment disasters
from volcanic eruptions and natural dams and the
manual on management of large-scale bedrock and
road slopes will lead to better risk management and
contingency plans that will help to make communities
safe.
Also, improving performance verification techniques
for rock fall protection structures and their structural
members and/or materials will contribute to the
promotion of rationalized road disaster prevention
works.
(3) Establishing emergency restoration techniques
for recovering from large-scale sediment disasters
Establishing emergency restoration and construction
techniques for implementation in large-scale
landslides and embankment disasters will help to
mitigate damage and quickly restore affected areas.
Project leader: Director of Erosion and Sediment Control Research Group
Technique for extracting potential hazards of occurrence
○Prior understanding of the normal status (Debris migration phenomena: Hazards of
occurrence, scope of damage)
Deep-seated collapses triggering natural dam and debris flow, fluidizing landslide
○Emergency response (Volcanic eruption: Time of occurrence, scope of damage)
Debris flow (after ash fall), volcanic mudflow (snowmelt type), pyroclastic flow (lava
dome falling type)
Establishment of techniques for extracting potential hazards of large-scale
sediment disasters
Monitor
Countermeasures
to hazard
Improvement of hazard monitoring
techniques
Facility
Improvement of performance
Verification techniques
Establishment of countermeasure to large-scale landslides
Progress of mechanical controls and
communication technology
Reform of construction methods
Effective use of space
Analysis of construction methods
Effective use of construction
materials
Application of cutting-edge
construction methods
Research on safe mechanical
construction
Research on post-disaster emergency
restoration techniques
Establishment of emergency restoration techniques for large-scale landslides
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natural disasters
Research on securing the functional performance of diversified structures based on seismic performance
Project leader: Research Coordinator for Earthquake Engineering
Research Summary
It has been pointed out that large-scale earthquakes,
such as the Tokai, Tonankai and Nankai earthquakes
and earthquakes in the Metropolitan Tokyo, are very
likely to occur in areas where population and property
are concentrated, thus the prevention and mitigation
of damage caused by these earthquakes are said to be
pressing challenges. In light of the Tohoku-Pacific
Ocean Earthquake in March 2011, occurrence of a
large-scale earthquake must be regarded as a realistic
matter. Also, seismic measures must be provided
properly and reasonably in proportion to the
significance and management standards of structures,
as much infrastructure stock is in need of maintenance
and renewal.
With this in the background, this research is intended
to develop seismic design methods and seismic
countermeasures based on the seismic performance
of various structures and different levels of significance
and management standards so as to ensure adequate
functional performance of structures and systems of
structures. It is also intended to develop measures to
ensure the seismic safety of structures against
earthquake-induced ground deformation, earthquake
resistance measures for earth structures with
consideration for the impact of prior precipitation,
and seismic design methods for new types of
structures that have never experienced an earthquake
disaster.
The goals of this research are to;
(1) Elucidate the seismic behavior of structures;
(2) Identify limits on the basis of diversified seismic
performance models, and;
(3) Verify methods of seismic performance evaluation
and develop seismic design methods.
Probabilities of earthquakes above intensity 6 in coming 30 years
(As of January 1, 2011)
Fallen bridge caused by
ground deformation
Fallen Saiji Ohashi Bridge
Collapsed Embankment at Makinohara
on the Tomei Expressway
Examples of Recent Earthquake-induced Damage
Background and necessity of research
Seismic design methods and seismic
countermeasures based on seismic performance are
needed to ensure the functional performance of
a network consisting of various structures in
proportion to their significance and management
standards.
Tunnel
Pedestrian overpass
Overpass
Embankment
Bridge in
mountain
area
Culvert
River bridge
River bridge
PWRI
Assessment of seismic
performance
Development of
verification methods
Reflection in
technical standards
Research programs
NILIM
Development of
standards for seismic
performance
◆Establish the seismic limit state of structures appropriate
for the intended performance and develop seismic design
methods/
◆Structures subject to research: Bridges, underground
structures (box culverts, open-cut tunnels), mountain tunnels,
earthwork structures
Development of technologies for securing adequate functional performance of
various road structures system
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natural disasters
Research on technologies for reducing snow and ice disasters
Project leader: Director of Cold-Region Road Engineering Research Group
Research Summary
Recent climate changes have become fierce such as
wild temperatures, localized massive snowfalls,
stormy winds and abnormally high temperatures
induced by inflow of warm air. Snow and ice disasters
have increased and changed in their mode of
occurrence as well.
However, many of the conditions of snow and ice
disasters are still unknown, and their elucidation and
research on countermeasures are strongly needed.
In this situation, we are promoting the following
research programs to address the escalating massive
snowfalls and snowstorms induced by recent climate
changes and frequent wet snow avalanches caused by
temperature variations, and to mitigate the effects on
people’s lives and socioeconomic activities.
Distribution map of snowdrift transport
rate for each winter (avg. year)
Presentation of a hazard map that reflects recent climatic variations
[Changes of winter climate]
○Research for identifying changes in the snow and
ice disasters environment due to climatic variations
・We elucidated the changes and characteristics of
winter climates, and present hazard maps of
increasingly more varying ice and snow values and
disasters.
<Continuous data collection
by moving observation vehicle>
Development of continuous snowstorm risk assessment technologies as a
route
compacted
snow
granular
snow
unsettled point
snow depth (cm)
[Snow avalanche]
○Research on countermeasures to snow avalanches
during winter rainfalls
・We developed technologies for assessing snow
avalanche risk associated with winter rainfall and/
or temperature rises.
Snowstorm risk assessment as a route
snow depth (cm)
[Snowstorm / Poor visibility]
○Research on forecast technologies
and risk
assessment of snowstorm-induced poor visibility
that is the majority of the causes for road closures
in snowy and cold regions.
・We will develop technologies for forecasting
snowstorm-induced poor visibility to support
decision-making for road administrators and road
users.
・We will develop technologies for assessing poor
visibility risk as a route.
Distribution map of frequency
of poor visibility (avg. year)
unsettled
stability
Numerical snow pack models which can represent the water infiltration
Development of risk evaluation of snow avalanche hazard induced by winter
rain event
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natural disasters
Research on efficient utilization techniques for disaster prevention and disaster information
Project leader: Director of Water-related Hazard Research Group
Research Summary
Unlike an earthquake that occurs because of a sudden
large external force, the hazard level of a water disaster
changes with time and its occurrence is predictable
(Fig. 1). In the event of this type of disaster, it is
sufficiently possible to minimize property and human
damage by providing information appropriate to the
evolving situation.
This research consists of the below three segments,
and takes as its objectives to integrate technologies
for understanding the state of a disaster and damage
in real-time with relevant information already
possessed by various agencies, by utilizing information
collection techniques, and to develop efficient
techniques for utilizing disaster prevention and
disaster information in ways that respond to the
changing situation.
(1) Development
of
tools
supporting
the
establishment of an environment where disaster
prevention staff can utilize optimum disaster
prevention and disaster information in a voluntary
manner
(2) Development of ways to efficiently generate
information on disaster hazards
(3) Development of techniques for identifying the
scope of widespread disaster and the scale of
damage using satellites and others
Disaster occurs
Disaster hazard/disaster external force
Occurrence of a
disaster is predictable.
The ground suddenly starts shaking .
The emergency earthquake alert rings
shortly before the earthquake.
It starts raining.
Occurrence of a disaster is
unpredictable.
Take prompt post-disaster action.
Earthquake/Fire
Time
Figure 1 Graphic image of disaster hazards that may increase with time
Cabinet Office
Prefectural
government
Regional Development
Bureau
MLIT
Other ministries
and agencies
Office
1. Development of tools supporting the establishment of an
environment where disaster prevention staff can utilize
optimum disaster prevention and disaster information in a
voluntary manner
Increased flooding
No change
Satellite office
Observation
III. Development of techniques for identifying the scope of widespread
disaster and the scale of damage using satellites and others
Disaster site
Area B
Area A
End of flood
Satellite
Adequate decision-making utilizing information from
residents and Push & Pull information
Municipality
These activities will establish a method for estimating
damage and hazards utilizing real-time measured
information (Fig. 3), and will provide disaster
prevention staff at local governments easy access to
disaster information systems developed and provided
by various agencies, thereby supporting decisionmaking for flood prevention activities and evacuation
warnings in emergencies with the aim to minimize the
disaster impact.
Water disaster
Urgency is highetned because
of an imminent disaster.
Connect to optical
fiber embedded
in the levee
Obtain data on water
levels at high density
and high frequencies
Collapse detection sensor
Occurrence of slope failure = The risk of
sediment disaster in the surrounding area
intensifies
Optical fiber cable
Water-level
gauge, etc.
Research & Development
Analyze data on
water level cross-sectional
distribution and
time change in PC
(Riverbed Change Prediction)
Specify hazardous
locations at the
occurrence of
riverbed variation
based on the prior
cross-section
observation results
Estimate hazardous
locations to be affected
Instruct patrol members where
and what to inspect
Early detection of affected area
Flow rate observation
Increased flow rate = The surrounding area’s
soil water intensifies = The risk of sediment
disaster intensifies
Early initiation of flood prevention
activitiesPrompt transmission of information
on evacuation guidance
II. Development of techniques for identifying the scope of widespread
disaster and the scale of damage using satellites and others
Figure 2 Image of disaster prevention staff utilizing optimum information
adequate for a time, event and objectives
Narrowing hazardous areas on the basis of slope deformation information
・Collapse detection sensor
Occurrence of slope failure = The risk of
sediment disaster in the surrounding area
intensifies
Slope collapse
・Flow rate observation
detection sensor
Increased flow rate =
The surrounding area’s soil water intensifies
= The risk of sediment disaster intensifies
Slope hydrological
observation
Pinpointing the time of disaster occurrence using a
progressive prediction model at the sediment
disaster occurrence location
Figure 3 Image of the methodology for generating disaster hazard information
on the basis of real-time observation information
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B) Realization of a sustainable society through green innovation
2. Research on innovation technologies to make infrastructures green
Research on technologies for utilizing and introducing to communities renewable energy sources and
fertilizers derived from waste modified biomass
Research Summary
Research period: FY2011 -2015
Project leader: Director for Cold Region Technology Development Coordination
It is necessary for the realization of a low-carbon
recycle-oriented society to develop technologies for
effectively and locally utilizing biomass generated in
urban and farm areas as resources and energy.
So, in order to make infrastructure green, we are
committed to research of the following individual
topics with an aim to develop technologies for the
collection, production (processing) and use of biomass
and for the introduction of renewable energy sources
into communities, thereby developing a low-carbon
recycle-oriented society.
(1) Development of technologies to collect waste
system biomass generated at city sewage
treatment plants and to develop a sewage system
highly effective in reducing emission of
greenhouse gas
(2) Development of efficient elemental technologies
(nutrient removal and collection from water and
sludge, conversion of nutrient salts into energy by
algae, techniques for the use of collected
resources) taking advantage of the location of
sewage treatment plants where massive amounts
of nutrient salts are collected in urban areas
(3) Establishment of integrated assessment methods
such as life cycle assessments for local use of
biomass and a sustainable resource management
system based on individual elemental technologies
for the use of biomass
(4) Comparison of the soil productivity improvement
impact of waste modified biomass (livestock slurry,
compost, aerobically feritilized irrigation slurry,
methane-fermented digested slurry, sewage
nutrient salts, etc.) by application to farmland, and
proposal of improvement technologies for
effective soil productivity (e.g., drainage, water
retention, Cation Exchange Capacity [CEC], crop
yield, crop quality improvement, increased soil
carbon storage amount)
Consecutive algae culture test by sewage treatment discharge
(Culture and resource collection of algae having strong oil generative capacity by
utilizing nitrogen and phosphorous contained in sewage treatment discharge)
Microscopic magnification ×45
Phosphate precipitated by electrolysis of sewage
(Collection of useful compounds contained in
sewage sludge such as phosphorous)
Frame format of
electrolysis experiment
system for sewage
Field spray of waste modified biomass (fermented livestock excrement) as
liquid fertilizer
10
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2. Research on innovation technologies to make infrastructure green
Development of low-carbon and low environmental-load construction materials and technologies
through recycling
Research period: FY2011 -2015
Project leader: Director of Materials and Resources Research Group
The prevention of global warming and the preservation
of local environments are necessary for the realization
of a sustainable society. Infrastructure must be in line
with these goals.
Specifically, low-carbon technologies through
recicling resources, technologies for local production
for local consumption by fully utilizing local resources
and technologies for reducing loads
on local
environments are desired.
In response to these needs, this priority project
research is committed to the following.
(1) Low-carbon
construction
materials
and
technologies
By establishing the quality assessment methods
and the design and construction methods for
concrete with blended cement utilizing recycled
matelials we will promote the use of low-carbon
concrete.
Also, we will convert to low-carbon pavements by
developing technologies to reduce CO2 emissions
CO2 emissions (t-CO2)
Research Summary
Approx. 20% reduction
250
200
Dismantling and removal
150
In service
Construction
100
Material manufacture
50
0
Portland
cement
Low-carbon
cementitious materials
*Example of use in road concrete structures
Low-carbon cementitious materials containing 50% blast-furnace
slag in the superstructure and 70% in the substructure
Calculation of reduction in CO2 emissions resulting
from use of low-carbon cementitious materials
No warm mix additive
After infusion of warm
mix additive
during the production process of pavement
materials, improving in the efficiency of lowcarbon pavement work and developing pavement
recycling techniques for snowy and cold regions.
These technologies will have assessment methods
for CO2 emission in place, thereby promoting their
introduction to the construction works.
(2) Technologies to reduce loads on local
environments
By conducting rational hazard assessments of
heavy metalscontained in
surplus soil and
introducing technologies to assess the migration
of these substances to groundwater and the
impact on drinking water, we will promote
recycling the surplus soil for road embankment.
We will also propose rational countermeasures to
heavy metals contained in surplus soil to realize
safe and low-cost.
Low-carbonization of pavement through the use of warm mix additive (above)
and a review for improvement of quality and workmanship of road surface
layer recycling method (below)
<Conceptual diagram
of absorption layer>
Cover soil
Excavated earth
Pavement
Absorption layer
Off-limits fence
Top soil
(Thickness 50cm)
Surface greening
Excavated earth containing
heavy metals, etc.
Off-limits fence
‖
Absorption layer
Underground
monitoring well
Development of heavy metals elution measures using absorption construction
method
11
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3. Research on management technology of watersheds and infrastructures for realization of a naturecoexistent society
Research on technologies for river-channel design and management that are effective in preserving
and regenerating the river ecosystem
Project leader: Director of Water Environment Research Group
Research Summary
The research goals are to:
(1) Elucidate the impact on river ecosystems from
changes in physical surroundings;
(2) Develop technologies for river-channel design
and management taking into account habitats for
living organisms, and;
(In order to enable adequate prediction of the
impact on creatures from man-caused alterations,
etc. and to contribute to adequate river
environment and ecosystem assessments, design
and management, we will elucidate the impact on
river ecosystems and develop technologies for
river-channel design and management from the
viewpoints of habitat environments in brackish
waters, regeneration of floodplain environments
(wando/pool), spawning environments for
salmonid fish, forest management in riverchannels and multi-nature river bank protective
construction.)
(3) Develop assessment techniques for river
environments.
(In order to enable more adequate assessment of
habitats for living organisms and integrated
assessments of river environments, assessment
techniques will be developed using physical
surroundings as indicators.)
50
Appearance frequency
In this research, we will elucidate the impact on river
ecosystems from changes in physical surroundings
with particular attention to low-water channels, flood
channels, configuration and settings of riverbeds for
river-channel design and management effective in
preserving and regenerating the river ecosystem. We
will also develop assessment techniques for river
environments using physical surroundings as
indicators, as well as technologies for river-channel
design and management taking into account habitats
of living organisms.
To this end, the following research goals are set.
Surveyed points n=112
Spawning beds n=13
40
Sandbar
30
Non-sandbar
20
10
0
<0.5
0.5-1.0
1.0-1.5
1.5<
<0.5
0.5-1.0
1.0-1.5
1.5<
i/i a
Relative riverbed gradient
Masu trout spawning beds seen as river terrain
1994
Preservation priority A
Preservation priority B
Preservation priority C
Natural bare surface
2008
River
Not assessed
Plant community preservation priority map using National Census
on River Environment
Hydrological
analysis
Flow
Multi-nature river bank protective
construction (Wooden sunken bed)
Flow
Flow rate distribution around wood
piles (Assessment of external force)
Hydrological function assessment of multi-nature river bank protective
construction
12
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3. Research on management technologies for watersheds and infrastructures for realization of a naturecoexistent society
Research on understanding the characteristics of river soil behavior and the impact on river environment
and preservation techniques
Research project: FY2011 – 2015
Project leader: Director of Dam and Appurtenant Structures Research Group
Research Summary
Many rivers and coasts have recently experienced
progressive coastal erosion, riverbed armoring and
fixation of a water route resulting from uneven
sediment transport, leading to rapid deterioration of
natural river/coast environments and rapid collapse of
ecosystems peculiar to rivers and coasts. On the other
hand, drainage canal and small-to-medium-sized
rivers
downstream
have
accumulated
soil
sedimentation and many dams have accelerated
sediment at a speed faster than planned. These are big
issues for the maintenance of infrastructure.
To solve these problems, it is necessary to make
meticulous corrections to the balance of sediment
transport in the entire watershed with consideration
for the river environment including the riverbed
situation. Techniques for soil supply from dams, and
soil control from farmland are required for this
purpose.
Currently, this priority project research intends to:
(1) Identify the characteristics of soil behavior, taking
into account the impact of the grain size of
sediment to be transported, riverbed materials
and cross-sectional configuration, in addition to
the traditionally focused total amount of sediment
to be transported in stony bed;
(2) Elucidate, on the basis of the above results, the
effects and impact on the river environment and
configuration from soil supply and soil drain from
dams, etc. and propose the assessment technique,
and;
(3) Develop techniques for environmentally-sound
soil supply and control at river crossing works such
as dams, etc. necessary for soil management in the
entire watershed based on the above.
Fixation of a water route, overgrowth
of vegetation
Bridge pile scouring
Loss of coastal sand beach
Issues in the watershed resulting from uneven sediment transport
Riverbeds affected by sediment runoff from the watershed
Cited from the homepage of Chubu Regional Development Bureau, MLIT
Sediment in a dammed lake
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Research on understanding nutrient dynamics and water quality control techniques on a watershed
scale
Project leader: Director of Water Environment Research Group
Research Summary
It is essential for the preservation of biological diversity
and for the realization of a nature-coexistent society
to resolve remaining water quality issues in public
water areas including the slowed tendency of water
quality improvement in the closed water areas and an
increased risk to water quality.
This research is conducted to obtain unit load of
organics and nutrient, and elucidate load run off
phenomena, develop survey methods for pathogenic
microbes, These studies lead to establishment of
comprehensive
water
quality
control
techniques,elucidate of the actual condition and
behavior and proposal of countermeasures on a
watershed scale.
(1) We conduct research to understand the
characteristics of material dynamics seen on a
watershed scale and build a water/material
environmental model that integrates material
dynamics in respective land use on a watershed
scale.
(2) We conduct research on the influence of changes
in land use and environment on water quality and
bottom sediment in closed water areas in order to
elucidate the impact of pollution load from the
immediate area on water quality of closed water
areas and propose countermeasures.
(3) We conduct research to establish countermeasures
to pathogenic microbes in water environments in
order to understand the risks to water quality on a
watershed scale and propose countermeasures.
We also plan to conduct research on the dynamics
of chemicals from the watershed that have not
been regulated and research on chemical control
techniques for sewage treatment processes.
Average COD of rivers flowing to Lake Nishiura
Average COD of rivers flowing to Lake Kitaura
Changes in COD (river water in rivers flowing to Lake Kasumigaura)
The inflow load
is reducing, but
Changes in COD (Lake Kasumigaura)
Nishiura
Kitaura
The water quality
in the lake has
leveled off.
Japanese Fiscal Year
Example changes in COD
Previous reproduction/assessment was performed by modeling
plane source load of nutrient salts from farmland.
Farmland
＋
New material circulation modeling
Forest
Urban area
Livestock raising
(Plane source)
(Plane source/sewage)
(Point source)
Water/Material circulation model on a watershed scale (N, P)
Past material
transport modeling
studies adopted
either the
regression or
original unit
method, but in,
this research, a
new approach will
be developed in line
with the physical
conservation law
on the basis of the
WEP model.
Material dynamics in forest, urban and livestock raising areas are also incorporated
into the model to develop a water/material circulation model on a watershed scale
that can assess the levels of contribution by source and the effects of measures.
Summary of research on characteristics of material dynamics on a watershed
scale (Partial)
Social issues
Intake source
･Appearance of super resistant strains
(Drug resistance)
･Presence of chlorine-resistant protozoa
･Rash of norovirus and other infections
Reuse
Livestock
discharge
Recycle
Current status
Sewage
treatment
discharge
Septic tank
discharge
Accelerated urbanization
Overflow water
･Mix of water intake and discharge systems
･Pollution cause in the public water area
Technology status
Intake source
Actual situation is unclear.
？
･Detection technologies are being developed.
･The current indicators cannot find out the actual
situation at existing sites.
Assessment of actual conditions/
countermeasures
･Delay in assessment of countermeasures to
actual conditions and non-point loads
River
Lake
Achievement goals
･Elucidation of the actual conditions of viruses, protozoa and
drug-resistant bacteria
･Development of technologies for preconcentration and
determination appropriate for extremely low concentration samples
･Elucidation of factors for improving the removal rate by biological
advanced processing method
･Assessment of non-point source loads and development of
countermeasures
Sea area
Development of adequate countermeasures
Securing/Enhancement of hygienic safety for water environment
Summary of research on development of countermeasures to pathogenic
microbes in water environments
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Research on conservation technologies for ecosystems appropriate for local environments
Various human activities affect the flora and fauna
ecosystems through the river environment. Under
changing social conditions such as a decreasing
population and aging society, it is socially demanded
that ecosystems be evaluated for their relations with
humans and that conservation be applied to maintain
good river ecosystems.
To these ends, we will elucidate ecosystem
conservation of a watershed from two directions -productivity and correlations with humans -- in the
network including the floodplain, comprehend
environmental interactions across a wide area from
the upstream reaches to estuaries, and propose
watershed-specific management techniques.
Further, in order to grasp the impact of structural
changes in society on ecosystems, we will conduct
field surveys of rivers and floodplains, and propose an
assessment approach for river ecosystem conservation
projects.
Also, to understand ecosystems from the viewpoint of
their relations with humans and establish an
ecosystem assessment approach, we will proceed
with surveys from physiological aspects .
(1) Comprehension of the impact of turbidity flow
from a watershed on the estuary environment and
establishment of management technologies
(2) Proposal on methods for evaluating characteristics
of topographic changes in estuaries and coastal
area
(3) Proposal on floodplain management techniques
for entire watersheds with regards for the
conservation of biological diversity in the
floodplain from physiological and behavioral
viewpoints
(4) Proposal on best management techniques for
habitat environments of living organisms in snowy
and cold coastal regions
Project leader: Director of Cold-Region Hydraulic and Aquatic Environment Engineering Research Group
Creation of a nature-coexistent society
that conserves sound aquatic
environments and ecosystems
Precipitation
Water circulation
system
Mountain
(Core of green)
Evapotranspiration
River (Water corridor)
Ocean area
(Core of water)
Soil
Load
Old river/lake
Forest zone
Farmland/Cropland
Nutrient salts
Chemicals
Mudland/estuary
Floodplain
Load
Interactions
Impact = Response
Ecosystem/Material transport
Humans/Society
Population decrease/low birthrate
and aging population
Conservation of mudland/wetland
(Aquatic environments)
Sediment transport mechanism and river
channel characteristics of rovers in snowy
and cold regions (River)
Turbidity flow in the watershed
(Aquatic environments)
Drift sand characteristics in estuaries
and coastal areas (Coasts)
Evaluation of habitat environments for
fisheries products
Key research topics
Supply from land area
Reproduce the impact on water quality variation and fisheries products and lead
to future predictions. Data must be obtained though field observation.
Aeration
Secretion
DOM (Dissolved
organic matter)
Phytoplankton
Decomposition DO (Dissolved
oxygen)
Decomposition
Firing
Decom
position
Mineralization
Respiration
POM (Particulate
organic matter)
Respi
ration
Herbivory
Nitrifi
cation
Excretion/death
Zooplankton
Feeding
Mineralization
Sediment oxygen consumption
Insolation
Photosynthesis/Respiration
Nutrient
salts
Sedimentation
Research Summary
Respiration
Excretion
PO4-P
Phosphate
phosphorous
Photosynthesis
(Nutrient intake)
Silica
DIN (Dissolved inorganic nitrogen)
Sedimentation
Nitrification/Denitrification
Benthos
Nitrification/Denitrification
Dissolution
Population dynamics model
Feed intake
Research example (Impact of land area, reproduction of flow area in coastal areas)
15
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B) Realization of a sustainable society through Green Innovation
3. Research on management technology of watersheds and infrastructures for realization of a naturecoexistent society
Functional strengthening for food supply infrastructure that adapts the environmental changes and
establishment of a sustainable system
The research goals are to:
(1) Perform water management simulations with a
view to the forecasted demand for agricultural
water based on meteorological information and to
information on water resources and develop
agricultural water management technology that
permits stable supply of agricultural water and
optimum water temperatures.
(2) Develop irrigation techniques in a large-sized
paddy field to respond to the variation in the water
demand, conduct laborsaving management of
ponding depth, water temperature and nutrient
control and care for suppression of outflow of
water quality loads.
(3) Analyze the factors contributing to the
deterioration of drainage facilities in a upland field
area and develop a functional diagnostic
technique to keep the function favorable.
(4) Elucidate the primary productivity such as physical
surroundings, water quality and biomass in the
northern ocean area and develop technologies for
improved biological productivity such as
fertilization of the ocean and protection of young
fish. Ecosystem and population dynamics models
will be developed to predict and evaluate effects.
Prediction of variation in integrated runoff
1600
1991-2000
1400
1200
The heavy line
represent mean
800
600
600
400
400
200
200
12/1
11/1
9/1
10/1
8/1
7/1
6/1
5/1
4/1
12/1
11/1
9/1
0
10/1
8/1
7/1
6/1
5/1
4/1
3/1
2/1
0
1/1
The heavy line
represent mean
1000
800
3/1
1000
2031-2050 (Predicted)
1400
2/1
1200
1/1
Integrated flow (mm)
1600
The beginning date of snowmelt become earlier.
Therefore, it is difficult to store irrigation water for
summer season.
Current river runoff
(Development of agricultural water management technologies that enable
stable supply under climatic changes)
Seasonal of paddy field water management (Example)
Groundwater level control period
Surface irrigation
Groundwater level control period
Submerged depth (m)
Despite being a snowy, cold region, Hokkaido has
developed and improved infrastructure for agriculture
and fisheries over a long period of time, and became a
bastion for food supply in Japan.
However, food supply sources are beginning to show
the impact of climate changes and signs of
hydrographic changes.
The food production system is as readily susceptible
to socio-economic changes as it is to changes in the
natural environment.
Therefore, we aim to establish a sustainable food
production system by conducting research and
development into technologies for adapting food
production infrastructure to these environmental
changes and improving the system.
Project leader: Director of Cold-Region Agricultural Development Research Group
Groundwater level (m)
Research Summary
Sep 2 Drainage
Repeatedly open/close ,Adjust the
irrigation gate to
submerged depth
promote seed
to precipitation.
germination and
stabilize early phase
growth.
Submerged
depth
Groundwater
level
Buried culvert location
(Pipe bottom)
Repeatedly open/close
irrigation gate for cultivation
of low protein rice.
Water
supply
(Development of irrigation technology in a large-sized of paddy field using the
underground irrigation)
Technology development for improvement of fishing grounds
1. Upwelling mound
Source:
Fisheries Agency
Supply of nutrient salts to the surface layer
Fertilization of the ocean and increased
primary production
2. Protecting
and rearing reef
Source:
Contractor
Increasing resources by protecting
young fish and by ensuring
spawning and nursery areas
(Technological development to elucidate the primary productivity and
develop technologies for improved biological productivity such as fertilization
of the ocean and protection of young fish )
16
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C) Strategic maintenance and life extension of infrastructure
4. Research on strategic maintenance and management of infrastructure stock
Research on development and systematization of maintenance and management technologies to help
use infrastructure stock longer
Research Summary
Infrastructure developed in an accelerated manner
during Japan’s years of rapid economic growth are all
due for renovation, but because of tight financial
constraints of central and local governments, this may
not be possible with the conventional maintenance
and management techniques. Since damaged
structures and equipment may directly threaten
human safety, promotion of sustainable, strategic
maintenance and management is desired.
In the process of past technological development
efforts, highly accurate investigation and inspection
techniques for damage and deformation in various
structures and equipment, diagnostic techniques
based on those results, and rational repair and
reinforcement techniques have been developed as
individual elemental technologies. And, ways to
organically combine and manage these technologies
have been developed. However, in the face of aging
stocks, the need to ensure safety and current financial
constraints, it is necessary to systematically establish
rational management standards that are appropriate
for their social significance, and develop elemental
technologies for these management standards and a
management process combined with such
technologies.
This research is intended to develop rational
maintenance
and
management
technologies
(investigation and inspection, diagnosis and
evaluation, and repair and reinforcement) appropriate
for various management standards for structures and
equipment, and develop a process for managing
them.
Project leader: Director of Bridge and Structural Engineering Research Group
Crack found
Measurement of deformed tunnel
Proposal of tunnel inspection items, frequency and inspection
methods appropriate for management standards
Case in tunnel area
Aged and deterioration of dams
Leakage from
downstream face
Freeze-thawing of
dam concrete
Deterioration in measurement
instruments for safety
management
Classification of various deterioration and damage to dams
Development of a methodology for deterioration and
damage focusing on their impact on dam safety
Case in dam structures area
Potential collapse
(Occurrence of risk)
Impact from occurrence of risk
Risk assessment
methods
Fractured diagonal member at the
Kiso River Ohashi Bridge (2007)
Closure by traffic accident on
a metropolitan expressway (2008)
Risk assessment methods
To be reflected in the management system for road bridges
Case in bridge area
17
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4. Research on strategic maintenance and management of infrastructure stock
Technological development for maintaining functions of structures in cold environments
Research Summary
Infrastructures in cold and snowy regions
are
subjected to snowfalls, low temperatures, repeated
freezing and thawing, and climate changes. Especially,
civil engineering structures that have functionally
declined as a result of that exposure are likely to have
serious problems with soundness and durability. It is
important to address such functional decline and
maintain the original performance of the structure.
There is particular need to develop technology to
maintain the performance of concrete materials and
the concrete structures in cold and snowy regions
affected by frost and salt damage, countermeasures
against deterioration and damage in asphalt
pavements and coastal structures affected by the
recent abnormal weather and climate changes, and
technologies contributing to the stabilization of earth
structures that maintain the road function.
In this research, we are conducting various verification
tests and on-site field investigation/demonstration
tests to develop the following technologies necessary
towards maintaining the function of civil engineering
structures in cold environments.
(1) Development of deterioration assessment
techniques for road structures and coastal
structures resulting from cold climates, frost
damage and sea ice action, and development of
repair, reinforcement and preventive maintenance
technologies for maintaining and improving
performance
(2) Development of rational maintenance and
management technologies for earth structures,
utilizing the long-term settlement prediction
method of peaty soft ground
(3) Development of frost damage deterioration
diagnostic techniques as a means for maintaining
and
managing
irrigation
and
drainage
infrastructure in cold and snowy regions
(4) Development of eco-friendly maintenance,
management and assessment techniques for
coastal infrastructure in cold ocean areas
Project leader: Director of Cold-Region Construction Engineering Research Group
Temperature [°
C]
Lowest of daily minimum temperature (Automated Meteorological Data
Acquisition System [AMeDAS], normal values from 1979 – 2000)
RC slab deteriorated by frost damage
RC bridge wall rail deteriorated by
combined effect of frost and salt attack
Pavement deteriorated by snowmelt water
Coastal structure deteriorated by sea ice
action
Unequally settled embankment on peaty
soft ground
Deterioration survey of coastal structure by
a diver
Irrigation open channel deteriorated by
freeze damage
Study of sustained epiphytic effects of
algae on coastal structure
Civil engineering structures to be studied and their conditions
18
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5. Research on enhancement and life extension of infrastructure performance
Development of technology to increase infrastructure performance and enhance durability
Project leader: Director of Road Technology Research Group
Research Summary
While the cost of maintenance and renovation
associated with population decrease, declining low
birthrate juxtaposed by an aging population, and
aging infrastructure stock is increasing, reserves for
the development of new infrastructure are
diminishing. This situation requires the promotion of
efficient
and
more
effective
infrastructure
development and improvement, that preserves
quality as a means for stabilizing people’s lives and
vitalizing local economies.
This priority project research focuses on the following
topics.
(1) Development of performance assessment
techniques for new types of road structures of
which performance design methods have not
been established, such as bridge approaches and
consecutive culverts, and civil engineering
structures of which performance assessment
methods pose issues, such as retaining walls and
reinforced earth wall, with the objective of
efficiently and effectively developing and
improving infrastructure by increasing reliability
and the degree of freedom of design work and
encouraging the introduction of performance
design methods that facilitate the development
and utilization of new technologies and materials.
(2) Development of quality control and inspection
systems that assess the durability of concrete
structures in line with performance codes at the
time of construction, methods that ensure the
quality of earth structures built in cold seasons
in snowy icy regions, methods for assessing the
durability performance of concrete structures that
exhibit various forms of deterioration due to freeze
damage and methods that assess the durability
performance of bridges such as steel bridge
painting with the objective of prolonging the
service-life of infrastructure.
Bridge approach (Bridge civil engineering boundary)
Bridge
(Bridge structure)
Embankment
(Civil engineering
structure)
Bridge approach
Consecutive culverts
Reinforced earth wall
Structure for which performance assessment methods will be developed
(Current status)
Select materials
Specify construction
method
Inspect strength and
shape as built
(Quality control/
inspection anticipated
in this research)
No limitation is set
(Limit elements that
cannot be inspected
afterwards)
An inspection
system that can
assess durability in
addition to strength
and shape as built
Completion of quality control/inspection
Inspection system to ensure the quality of concrete structures at the time of
construction
Conventional
(Specifications finalized)
Painting specifications (materials
and construction method) are
finalized.
Performance requirements needed
for steel bridge coating have not
been fully included in specifications.
Review for stipulating performance
requirements
Elucidate performance requirements/functions that must be retained
by painting/coating to demonstrate adequate anticorrosion and
durability, and consider performance assessment techniques to allow
for absolute assessment of painting/coating.
(1) Streamline the performance requirements needed for steel bridge
painting and the current performance assessment techniques.
(2) Performance assessment tests for various paintings and coatings
Complex cycle corrosion test
Outdoor exposure test
(3) Review performance assessment techniques and reference values
Performance assessment techniques for steel bridge coating
19
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5. Research on enhancement and life extension of infrastructure function
Research on performance improvement technologies for winter roads in cold regions
[Road management in winter]
○Development of technologies to improve efficiency
and adequacy of road management in winter
・We aim to establish technology to support the
judgment assessment of road surface management
level/status in winter.
・We will develop complex technologies for road
surface management via pavement, mechanical
modifications, spraying of antifreeze agents, etc.
・We will elucidate solutions to problems with
efficiency improvement for snow removal works,
and propose countermeasures and management
techniques.
[Sidewalks in winter]
○Development of technologies to improve the
safety and reliability of sidewalks in winter
・We will develop surface treatment technologies
and sidewalk structures for winter.
[Traffic accidents in winter]
○Development of effective countermeasures to
traffic accidents in winter
・We will develop technologies for preventing
accidents caused by skidding from traffic lanes
using flexible preventive fencing that is effective
for preventing serious accidents in winter.
Monitoring
Result (Quantitative data)
Skid resistance
value
Send out
XXX at
(time)!
38.5
38.0
37.5
37.0
35.5
36.5
10
36.0
In order to support an affluent high-quality way of life
and draw out the dynamics of communities faced
with population decline, a low birthrate juxtaposed by
an aging population and tough financial situations, it
is essential to maintain and improve the function of
road traffic in the community. What is especially
important in a cold region is technology for
maintaining and improving winter road performance
in cold seasons.
To this end, we are working on the following research
topics to effectively and efficiently maintain and
improve road performance in winter.
Project leader: Director of Cold-Region Road Engineering Research Group
35.0
Research Summary
Dispatch/
Countermeasures
Judgment based on quantitative assessment of winter road surface level (Image)
Establishment of technology to support judgment of road surface
management level/status in winter
Snow removal machinery
work information
Snow removal
machine
Analysis/Assessment of snow removal work efficiency (Image)
Elucidation of issues on efficiency improvements to snow removal works and
countermeasures/management techniques
Flexible protective fencing
Development of technologies to prevent accidents caused by skidding from
traffic lanes using flexible preventive fencing
20
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TSUKUBA CITY
The Tsukuba Central Research Institute, which was inaugurated in 2006 when the
Civil Engineering Research Institute of Hokkaido was integrated into the former
PWRI currently consists of the Construction Technology Research Department,
the Geology and Geotechnical Engineering Research Group, the Water
Environment Research Group, the Hydraulic Engineering Research Group, the
Erosion and Sediment Control Research Group and the Road Technology Research
Group, and conducts surveys, tests, researches, developments and instructions
regarding construction technologies based on civil engineering. Through these
activities, we contribute to efficient development of quality social infrastructures
and accurately carries out missions regarding the policy of land, infrastructure,
transport and tourism.
21
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Construction Technology Research Department
PWRI is responsible for high-quality research and development showing
Provision of technical
Appropriate management
information via various
leadership in the innovation of civil engineering technology, turning research
of intellectual properties
Construction Technology
public events
Research Department
results into “technologies utilized”, and widely disseminating them. Based on
★Support of interdisciplinary work and
leading R&D
this aim, the Construction Technology Research Department supports
★Strategic dissemination of research results
interdisciplinary work including that which involves non-civil engineering
Advanced Technology
areas and leading R&D, and is actively committed to the dissemination of
Research Team
Improvement of civil engineering
research results in Japan and overseas.
technology utilizing IT and
advanced technology
Collection of relevant
Support for technical
Specifically, the department releases technical information at various public
information on international
assessment, consultation
events, appropriately manages intellectual properties, supports technical
standards, etc.
and guidance
assessments, consultations and guidance, and collects relevant information
on international standards to appropriately introduce civil engineering technologies to sites and meet the needs for internationalization. The
Advanced Technology Research Team provides support for these activities, and carries out research and development for advanced
technologies related to civil engineering, construction machinery, and civil engineering machinery/equipment including information and
communication technology, robotics technology, and environmental technology and safety technology.
Advanced Technology Research Team
●Research on informatization and robotization for the
sophistication of construction, production, maintenance
management projects
Working to achieve more advanced technologies for construction and
production processes, and also for disaster response, we are conducting
research to further improve the levels of safety, efficiency, quality,
and reliability of construction and maintenance by utilizing
technologies below.
・GNSS and other positioning technology
・Information and communication technology
・Robotics technology
We are also engaged in research for rationalizing construction,
maintenance, and management through the communication and
sharing of information throughout the life cycle of a construction project.
●Research on design of civil engineering machinery/equipment
(drainage pumps, etc.) and sophistication of maintenance/
management
In the maintenance and management of civil engineering
machinery/equipment that serves as the core of infrastructure,
ensured reliability and drastic cost reductions are desired. And,
it is urgent to establish management techniques matching the
individual objective, type and installation site of such
equipment. The team is committed to proposing and
organizing failure risk/system safety assessments, status
monitoring
and
recording
operations,
information
management (DB, mode of information management), and
equipment economy (including LCC reduction, convenience
assessment and technology improvement).
●Research on environmental impact/emission gas assessments
associated with construction projects
It is required to appropriately get a grip on what impact the
noise and vibration generated from construction machinery at
a construction site have on the living environment and what
impact emission gasses have on the atmospheric environment,
and to take efficient and effective countermeasures. Recently,
efforts have been actively directed at reducing global warming
gases, and the need for technological development that
encompasses all of these aspects is increasing. Therefore, the
team is committed to research and development of
environmental impact identification techniques and
countermeasures, and to technological development to assess
the effects of such countermeasures.
22
Affected site (Unattended construction block)
Loading/Unloading yard
(Attended construction block)
Stationary camera
Stationary camera
Remote control room
Case: Vibration analysis and tribology of pumping equipment
Sloped conveyor
Pool hopper
Overhead crane
Diesel machine
Bevel gear reducer
Analyze engine
oil and diagnose
deterioration
level of each
part in sections
containing oil.
Water-level gauge
Horizontal conveyor
Discharge
Backflow
Discharge valve
Cooling tank
Automated dust collector
Vertical shaft type mixed
Absorption flow pump
tank
Identify vibrations
of primary axis
from outside the
pump and
diagnose wear
and tear of blades
and bearings.
Example of emissions measurement using an on-board emissions measurement system
The emissions values of construction machinery from different manufacturers and with different operating times are measured in order to identify the emissions volumes at actual work
sites and to check for deterioration in emissions performance.
The emissions values are measured using biodiesel fuels from different producers in order to
check for problems in the use of these fuels.
15/08/26 8:49
Geology and Geotechnical Research Group
The Geology and Geotechnical Research Group is conducting research in a broad range
that covers all steps from surveying and design to construction and management,
including disaster prevention and environmental protection measures, for ground and
rock, slopes, earth structures, soil environments, and other areas.
The Geology and Geotechnical Research Group is a new group that was established
in FY2011 and is comprised of the Geology Research Team, Soil Mechanics and
Dynamics Research Team, and Construction Technology Research Team. The Geology
Research Team conducts research on foundation ground properties and develops
investigation methods and test procedures. The Soil Mechanics and Dynamics Research
Team conducts research for the development of design methods including seismic
design and reinforcement methods for civil engineering structures. The Construction
Technology Research Team conducts research for the development of construction and
maintenance/management technologies used in civil engineering structures.
Geology Research Team
Dam
Provision of basic information
on design of civil engineering
structure
Bridge
Cost for design, construction and maintenance of
civil engineering structure
Retaining wall
River levee
Road embankment t
Comprehend properties of foundation ground
(geology, soil components, physicochemical and dynamic characteristics)
Image of Geological and Geotechnical Research Group research
areas
Consecutive
precipitation
400mm
●Research on sophistication, standardization and utilization of civil engineering geological surveys
The team conducts research on investigation and assessment technologies for foundation ground necessary
for the construction and management of civil engineering structures, such as roads (tunnel, bridge, etc.) and
riverworks, (dam, embankment, etc.) and on technologies for investigating, evaluating and effectively
utilizing stone materials.
The team conducts research into the standardization of the above civil engineering geological surveys and
technologies for utilizing survey results in national land management (National Land Ground Information
Database, etc.).
●Research on prevention of geological disasters and response to geological risks
The team proposes surveys and hazards/risk assessment and disaster preventive measures, utilizing
Predicted incident of road slope
geographical and geological approaches, against various geological disaster; road slope disaster, active fault
disaster using past disaster data
disaster, and disasters caused by the penetration and liquefaction of river levee foundation ground.
and topographical/geological
information
●Research on geological environment conservation/countermeasures
Many stones and sediments contain large quantities of hazardous heavy metals in their natural states. The team is developing
comprehensive technologies for geological and groundwater environment conservation, such as technologies for investigating, assessing,
responding to and monitoring heavy metals so as to help excavate, move and manage these stones safely in construction projects.
○Point of disaster
outbreak before
consecutive
precipitation
Incident of road
slope disaster
(/km/15 yrs)
Soil Mechanics and Dynamics Research Team
●Response to earthquakes and precipitation on road civil engineering structures and slopes
The team is studying disaster preventive technologies in the road civil engineering and slope areas,
such as inspection/diagnostic technologies and reinforcement technologies for the safety of civil
engineering structures, e.g., embankments and cut slopes affected by earthquakes, precipitation and
liquefaction.
●Response to earthquakes and precipitation on river levees
The team conducts research into disaster preventive technologies for river levees, such as inspection/
River levee damaged by earthquake
diagnostic technologies for the safety of river levees against earthquakes, including seepage and
liquefaction, as well as complex reinforcement technologies in preparation for seepage and earthquakes.
●Protection of ground environments at construction projects
The team conducts research into ground environment-conscious technologies at construction projects, including response to ground
contamination, effective use of construction generated soil and ground reforming utilizing microbes.
Construction Technology Research Team
●Researches related to advancement of design/construction for earth structures and emergency
restoration methods for sediment disasters
Earth structures are designed and constructed under various ground, material and environmental
conditions. In recent years, further cost reduction and shortening of construction period have been
required. In addition, it is also necessary to correctly construct, maintain and repair earth structures
in order to prevent a collapse that can cause extensive damage with rainfall or earthquake, and to
Embankment compaction experiment
rapidly carry out emergency restoration in the event that such a collapse occurs. Through analysis of
case studies and testing, the team is conducting research regarding proposals of new methods for appropriate design, construction and
urgent restoration of earth structures.
●Research for clarifying maintenance and reinforcement methods for existing earth structures
Earth structures are able to ensure stable delivery of the required performance over long periods of time by conducting appropriate
maintenance and repair. Therefore, it is required to establish an efficient maintenance technique for earth structures. Through analysis of
case studies and testing, the team is conducting research related to reinforced soil wall/ground anchor maintenance and repair/
strengthening technologies.
23
15/08/26 8:49
Water Environment Research Group
The natural environment of rivers and lakes has been greatly affected by human activities and man-made alterations. The Water Environment
Research Group conducts research into mechanisms of river and lake ecosystems and their anthropogenic impacts, river/lake restoration
techniques, river management techniques based on the natural river environment and Neo-natural River Reconstruction, water pollutant
dynamics in rivers/lakes, water analysis and monitoring techniques for endocrine disrupters and trace toxic substances, and ecological
impacts of polluted river water and treated wastewater. Furthermore, the Aqua Restoration Research Center (ARRC) located in Kagamiharashi,
Gifu Prefecture carries out experiments using full-scale model rivers and ponds.
River Restoration Research Team
The River Restoration Research Team conducts research related to assessments of river environments,
and to reducing problems in river environment management, in order to preserve the natural
environments of rivers and lakes. It also conducts research for identifying ecological mechanisms in
rivers, lakes, and surrounding areas, and technologies for their restoration.
●Research related to assessment of river environments, and to reducing problems in river
environment management
This group is engaged in research aimed at establishing the river environment assessment methods and
indexes that are necessary for assessing, protecting, and restoring river environments. This research
includes studies for assessment of fish habitat spaces, and for applying the results to construction Forest management method which controls
resprouting by tree girdling
projects. The team studies methods of managing forestation in river channels, which is a factor adversely
affecting biodiversity and flood-control safety in rivers across Japan, and also studies how water quality
and flow changes caused by dams affect the habitats of aquatic species.
●Research for identifying ecological mechanisms in rivers, lakes, and the surrounding areas, and technologies for their restoration
The team is working to identify ecological mechanisms in rivers and also the surrounding areas, developing technologies to restore underwater
plant communities in lakes, and conducting research for environmental protection in areas which affect the rivers. It also studies design
technologies, and river structures for maintenance and management, related to the important fishways needed to ensure fish mobility.
Water Quality Research Team
The team researches and investigates water quality in rivers and lakes from the watershed viewpoint,
in order to preserve water environments that are safe for humans and ecosystems. This includes water
quality risk management in assessing environmental impacts by trace toxic substances and their
countermeasures, and elucidation of runoff mechanisms of nutrient and their countermeasures. The
team also conducts basic research on water quality measurement techniques from the viewpoint of
impacts on ecosystems and the impact of global warming on water quality, in the interest of improving
future water quality.
●Research on water quality risks assessment and management
Since diversified chemicals have recently been detected in water environments, there is increased interest in their presence and
environmental impacts. Efforts to realize and preserve safe and comfortable water environments should be made. The team aims to
properly manage the risks of these chemicals and take measures against them.
●Research on eutrophication control
Efforts are made to improve water quality in lakes and closed water areas, but some water areas have not shown improvement in water
quality. Therefore, the team studies the source of nutrient salts and organics, and pollutant mechanisms by means of surveys in watersheds
and lakes. The demand for the use of sewage reclaimed water is increasing, but water channels using reclaimed water often pose a
problem with the growth of algae. The team studies methods for controlling the proliferation of algae at relatively reasonable costs.
Aqua Restoration Research Center (Kagamiharashi, Gifu Prefecture)
The ARRC conducts the following research topics utilizing model rivers and facilities, to create naturecoexistent riverworks.
●Research related to the effects of dam sediment flushing on aquatic life
Dam sediment flushing and other man-made supply of sediment alters the riverbed environment
downstream of the dam, and may improve the habitat environment for fish and other riverbed creatures.
However on the other hand, when supplied sediment is different from the natural conditions, there is
also the possibility of adversely affecting the habitat environment. This research is being conducted to
investigate the effects on aquatic life of changes in the riverbed environment caused by sediment
supply, and to develop sediment supply technologies which will not adversely affect habitats.
●Research related to the creation of small and mid-sized riverworks
After small and mid-sized riverworks, the river channels become in most cases straight and narrow with deep protective banks. This not
only reduces the habitat for fish and riverbed insects, but also can cause destruction of protective banks due to the lower riverbed level. In
this and other ways, the riverworks are unable to deliver its full function in terms of both flood control and the environment, increasing the
costs of corrective measures which become necessary after the construction. This research aims to resolve these problems by developing
corrective work methods to ensure living habitats, as well as river channel design tools that allow seamless consideration of both flood
control and the environment.
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15/08/26 8:49
Hydraulic Engineering Research Group
Secure a safe
and secure life
2011 Off the Pacific Coast of Tohoku Earthquake that took place on March
Dam
Reservoir
2011, both private and public facilities were severely damaged by tsunami
Safety/efficiency
and strong motion. It is important to construct national land in anticipation
Economic efficiency
of such large-scale earthquakes in future. Coupled with the recent progress
Impact on natural environment
of global warming, more frequent heavy rains and less snowfall are
forecasted. Although frequent disasters by typhoons and torrential rains
River
damage various parts of Japan almost every year, the risk of droughts has
not diminished despite well developed reservoir facilities. Rivers located directly below a dam have accelerated armoring, and the middle
and down streams have lowered the riverbed, locally scoured and vegetation formed due to the fixated water route, posing flood-control
and environmental problems in many areas.
The Hydraulic Engineering Research Group is striving energetically to resolve these problems by various technologies for developing seismic
performance evaluation for dams against large-scale earthquakes, dam upgrading projects, design/construction of new-type dam, river
sediment management, and sediment supply from dams. The Hydraulic Engineering Research Group has the Dam and Appurtenant
Structures Research Team and Hydraulic Engineering Research Team. The Dam and Appurtenant Research Team is conducting researches
on dam design/construction,as well as soundness evaluation , maintenance/repair and upgrading of existing dams with three main goals:
ensuring safety, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impacts. The Hydraulic Engineering Research Team researches on river
channel sediment management methods, supply of sediments accumulated in a dam to the downstream and improvement of water quality
in reservoirs. This team also researches on the control methods of inflow and outflow rates appropriate for the water level in a reservoir to
make the effective use of the reservoir.
Dam and Appurtenant Structures Research Team
●Research on rationalization and sophistication of seismic performance
evaluation/ technologies for dams
A technology for seismic performance evaluation/ for dams has already
been established at the basic level by contributions of findings rom past
researches. However, furthe needs arise such as the application of the
technology to a new-type dam,such as - trapezoidal CSG dam, and to
redeveloped dam upgrading projects aimed at the enhancement of flood
control capacity. Another need arises for further advanced evaluation
methods including earthquake-induced settlement of embankment dams .
The team aims to establish rational seismic performance evaluation
technologies for dams which are composed of various materials and have
various structural forms, by elucidating the damage modes and their
mechanisms through experiments and numerical analysis.
Increased dam
rehabilitation projects
Seismic performance
evaluation method for a
dam rehabilitation project has
establishednot established
Dam heightening
Outlet expansion
Elucidation of tensile crack
propagation properties
by dynamic test
Analysis of dam behavior using
measurement data
Establishment of Seismic perfomance evaluation
method for dam rehabilitation projects
Reflection in the Guideline for Seismic
Performance Evaluation of dams against
Large-scale Earthquake (Draft)
Hydraulic Engineering Research Team
●Research on retaining continuity with the river for a dam
For construction of a dam, mitigation of environmental impacts is required
more than ever and expectations are raised for a flowing dam in which water
is not usually pooled but pooled only at the time of flood. It is difficult to
retain continuity for movement of sediment and living creatures in a dam
where water is usually pooled, but it may be possible to do so in a flowing
dam. Based on this end, the team aims to develop outflow facilities fitted for
a flowing dam to retain continuity with the relevant river.
[Usual]
[At the time of
flooding]
Usually buried in the
sediment like a river channel
At the time of flooding, the
sediment is flushed and the
absorbing function is recovered.
25
15/08/26 8:49
Erosion and Sediment Control Research Group
Located as it is on plate boundaries, the Japanese archipelago is typified by a fragile geology resulting
from active crustal movement. With frequent earthquakes and numerous active volcanoes, the
movement of sediments such as mud flows, earth slides, slope failure, and pyroclastic flows occurs
readily. Moreover, because the Japanese archipelago is also in the monsoon zone, it is frequently
affected by typhoons and torrential rains. In winter, the coast along Sea of Japan is subject to heavy
snowfalls and these factors combine to create an environment that favors landslide disasters. Japan's
living and industrial areas extend beyond the flat regions into hilly and mountainous areas, so social
factors also contribute to the general vulnerability to natural disasters. The Erosion and Sediment
Control Research Group studies the mechanisms behind disasters caused by volcanoes, mudflows,
landslides, and avalanches, conducting research into prediction, detection, and monitoring of their
emergences, methods of warning and evacuation, and risk management in order to prevent and
mitigate these disasters, and to ensure the safety and well-being of the areas.
Prevention and mitigation of sediment disasters
Mudflow disasters
Mudflow disasters
Elucidation of mechanisms, prediction, detection,
and monitoring of the emergences, disaster
prevention/mitigation construction methods, warning
and evacuation and risk management system
Volcano disasters
Snow avalanche disasters
To ensure the safety and well-being of the communities
Conceptual diagram of research topicsa
Volcano and Debris Flow Research Team
●Research on damage estimating methods and countermeasures for catastrophic
sediment disasters such as landslide dams
In recent years, extensive damage caused by deep-seated landslides and landslide
dams have occurred both domestic and overseas, including the Kii Peninsula Great
Flood in 2011 and the Iwate–Miyagi Nairiku Earthquake in 2008. This team conducts
research aimed at developing the necessary technologies for predicting the
locations of deep-seated landslides, estimating the extent of damage, and enacting
Occurence of the landslide dam
Debris flow in a volcanic area
mechanical countermeasures and carrying out crisis management in the event of
(Izu Oshima, 2013)
emergency.
●Research on damage estimating methods and countermeasures for debris flow
induced by volcanic eruptions
In order to mitigate the damage caused by landslides induced by volcanic eruptions, it is necessary to rapidly carry out both human and
mechanical countermeasures in pace with changing situations during volcanic activities. This team is developing methods for estimating the
extent of damage in case of mudslides caused by falling ash and other disasters at times of volcanic eruption, and other emergency damagemitigation technologies.
Landslide Research Team
●Research on landslide risk evaluation and damage prediction
A landslide suddenly occurs in a location that has not obviously exhibited slip landform and
not recognized as a highly hazardous slope. This kind of the first-occurrence landslide was
not measured beforehand and its dynamics are usually unknown. Therefore, the team is
conducting research on the methods for predicting landslide scale and area using data
obtained by airplane laser measurement and developing a variation measuring system. Also,
induced by earthquake
A figure showing elevation data
the team is working with the Snow Avalanche and Landslide Research Center on fluidized Landslide
(Shirakawa, 2011)
superimposed on the surface asperity of an
outdoor experimental site (within a red
landslides to predict points of occurrence and reach.
frame) conducting variation measurement
●Research on seismic performance evaluation of methods for landslide countermeasures
In recent years, there have been many major earthquake events, such as the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake. In order to clarify the earthquake
resistance of landslide countermeasures, the team is conducting studies about earthquake resistance of countermeasures, collecting and classifying cases of
landslide movements.
●Research on avalanche disasters caused by heavy snowfall in a short time and on
improvement of management techniques for anti-avalanche facilities
In recent years, sudden heavy snowfalls have occurred and triggered local avalanches such
as “2006 Heavy Snowfalls” and those in the Kanto-Koshin regions in February 2014. Antiavalanche infrastructure is gradually being put in place but in order to accelerate
Snow avalanche due to heavy
Imperforate collecting pipe
development, countermeasure construction costs need to be reduced. In this situation, the
snowfall in short time (Yamanashi
center conducts research on improvement of management techniques for anti-avalanche
Pref. Feb. 2014)
facilities and on techniques for assessing the hazards that would cause snow avalanche due to heavy snowfall in a short time.
●Research on checking methods and soundness evaluation of groundwater drainage works and on groundwater flow investigation
More than 50 years have passed since the Landslide Prevention Act came into force and the need of maintaining landslide prevention facilities
is increasing. The center is conducting, in collaboration with the Landslide Research Team, research on safe and efficient checking methods and
quantitative sound evaluation of groundwater drainage works. Furthermore, groundwater is surveyed for location of groundwater drainage
facilities, but it costs a lot of money and takes a long working time. Therefore, the center is developing a technique to accurately and efficiently
understand the groundwater flow conditions.
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15/08/26 8:49
Road Technology Research Group
Roads are fundamental infrastructure for the exchange of people, goods, and
Road: Networking and urban framework building
information, and are also an essential part of overall transportation systems and link
with other modes of transport such as trains, aircrafts and ships. Roads also provide
Pavements
Tunnels
space for accommodating lifelines and can assist the development of urban areas.
Today, facing big issues such as population decline, a low birthrate juxtaposed by an
Economical
maintenance and
aging population, and extraordinary long-term debt, aging road infrastructures must
management
be dealt with while meeting the needs of road users.
The Pavement Research Team and Tunnel Research Team in the Road Technology
Research Group conduct research to resolve these issues. They are looking for ways of
Rational
construction
efficient construction and maximum utilization of roads with the objective of providing
technologies
safe and comfortable road space. The Pavement Research Team conducts research on
new pavement technologies by investigating performance evaluations of pavement
and design methods, analyzing the economical management of pavement, improving the roadside environment and promoting energy
conservation and recycling. The Tunnel Research Team conducts experiments and numerical analyses, and, at the same time, carries out
field-based research through on-site measurements to establish rational and economical methods for investigations, design, construction,
maintenance and management of tunnel structure and attached facilities such as ventilation and emergency facilities.
Pavement Research Team
●Research on pavement technologies to contribute to a low-carbon society
Efforts to realize a low-carbon society in the pavement area are important. Pavement technologies
that may be effective in reducing the emission of CO2 include manufacturing temperature reduction,
pavement recycling, life prolongation and long-life pavement. The team clarifies the evaluation
methods of CO2 emission for these pavement technologies, and conducts development and
research on the sophistication of existing technologies based on the evaluation of CO2 emissions,
and new low-carbon pavement technologies.
●Research on management of pavement
Pavements must be managed more efficiently because of limited budgets for strategic maintenance
and management. As technological development for this purpose, the team conducts research on
methods for setting pavement management goals that meet the needs of road users, roadside
residents and road administrators, methods for efficient inspection and evaluation of existing
pavements, and life extension methods for pavements based on life cycle assessments.
Accelerated load facility for evaluating the
durability of pavement
●Research on theory-based pavement design
The team conducts research into improving the theoretical design of pavement with the goals of enabling rational design work that
increases the reliability and degree of freedom of design, using diversified materials generated from the construction industry, applying
new construction methods and accommodating various site conditions in the structural design of new pavements or repairs to existing
pavements.
Tunnel Research Team
●Research on reduction of tunnel construction costs
With recent road tunnels, the mountain tunneling method has expanded to include locations where
the ground conditions are bad. At the same time, there is growing use of the shield tunneling
method for large-section tunnels such as those on urban expressways. For these situations, the
team is studying mountain tunneling methods that enable efficient and safe tunnel construction
while ensuring the stability of the excavation face even in poor ground where large deformation
occurs during the work. The team is also studying the shield tunneling method so as to establish a
segment design method that is rational, economical and excellent in long-term durability.
●Research for more advanced and rationalized tunnel maintenance and management
There are a great number of tunnels in Japan, and the number of aging tunnels is continuing to
grow. The team is conducting research for improving the efficiency of tunnel maintenance and
management, and for rationalizing the methods of operating tunnel equipment.
●Research on efficient maintenance and management of tunnels
Mountain tunnels which are mainly constructed in rock were thought to be empirically earthquakeproof structures with the exception of certain limited conditions. However, the Niigata Chuetsu
Earthquake caused relatively large-scale damage such as collapse of lining, though limited in number.
So, the team is conducting research to establish effective seismic measures and their selection methods
by performing experiments and numerical analyses concerning seismic measures for mountain tunnels.
Segment assembly in shield tunneling
method
Case of tunnel damaged by Niigata Chuetsu
Earthquake
27
15/08/26 8:49
Civil Engineering Research Institute
for Cold Region
SAPPORO CITY
The Testing Laboratory, the forerunner of the present-day Civil Engineering Research
Institute for Cold Region, was established in August 1937. The Laboratory was under
the jurisdiction of the Civil Engineering Department of the Hokkaido Agency, which
was administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs. In September 1947, the Laboratory
became the Hokkaido Civil Engineering Institute, an independent government
agency. In July 1951, with the establishment of the Hokkaido Development Bureau
as a national government office, the Institute became an affiliate of the Bureau and
was renamed the Civil Engineering Research Institute of Hokkaido Development
Bureau. In January 2001, as part of a reorganization of government ministries and
agencies, the name was changed to the Civil Engineering Research Institute of the
Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and
Transport. In April 2001, a second reorganization established the institute as an
Independent Administrative Institution: the Civil Engineering Research Institute of
Hokkaido.
In Hokkaido where a severe winter climate and a wide distribution of peaty soft
ground pose prominent problems peculiar to a snowy, cold region, the Institute has
conducted advanced research for cost-effective development of infrastructure,
environmental-friendly improvements to infrastructure and the mitigation of
natural disaster damage to infrastructure. It has conducted research efficiently and
effectively, and cooperated with other organizations. It has continued to provide
technical guidance, including on measures against disasters, to disseminate
research results. In April 2006, the Institute was combined with the Public Works
Research Institute, another Independent Administrative Agency under the Ministry
of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and started anew as the Civil Engineering
Research Institute for Cold Region. The new Institute will continue fulfilling the task
of supporting the development of Hokkaido through the investigation, examination,
research and development of civil engineering technologies, as well as the
dissemination of research results to cold regions and other areas in Japan and
abroad as a sole laboratory core of civil engineering technology for cold regions
with an aim to become the civil engineering technology base for cold region in
Japan.
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15/08/26 8:49
Cold-Region Construction Engineering Research Group
Realization of a safe
and secure society
Strategic maintenance and
management of infrastructure
In cold and snowy regions, the construction of infrastructure exposed to
In a cold environments
severe environmental conditions requires structures and construction
methods designed to resist these conditions such as low temperatures.
Safety
Bridge
Rock slopes
Concrete
The construction of road embankments and river levees requires
Economic efficiency
measures to stabilize soft ground, because extremely peculiar soil called
Life extension
Embankment
Countermeasures
“peat” is widely distributed on lowlands throughout Hokkaido.
Soft ground
against rockfall
Response to snowy,
Furthermore, there is the need for measures against rock slope failures
cold conditions
that consider the geological and environmental features of coastal and
mountainous roads. The Cold-Region Construction Engineering Research Group has organized the Structures Research Team, Geotechnical
Research Team and Geological Hazards Research Team to respond to these issues and conduct research on technology development to
maintain the performance of structures in cold environments and to reduce rock slope disasters.
Structures Research Team
●Research into techniques for preventive maintenance and repair/reinforcement of bridges in cold
and snowy regions
RC slabs of road bridges under heavy traffic and/or in cold and snowy regions deteriorate and incur
damage under the influence of wheel loads, surface ponding, and frost and salt damages. These
deteriorated roads are problematic in terms of traffic safety and damage to third parties as well. In this
research, the team develops sound repair and reinforcement technologies to resolve these
deterioration and damage, water-proof performance verification technologies and advanced waterproofing systems as preventive maintenance measures.
●Research into performance verification and repair/reinforcement techniques for rockfall protection structures
Under financial constraints, a new type of rockfall protection structure that prevent slope disasters
with a widened scope of application was developed without standardized performance verification
technique. In the meantime, existing structures have exposed deterioration and damage. In this
research, the team develops techniques for performance verification and repair/reinforcement to
ensure the safety that must be originally fulfilled by rockfall protection structures.
Random wheel running test for frost damege
Rock slope disaster
Geotechnical Research Team
●Research on efficient maintenance methods for structures on peaty soft ground
In banking on peaty soft ground, the maintenance cost increases in order to restore long-term
settlement or liquefaction occurring during earthquakes. To reduce life cycle costs, the team carries
out research on rational countermeasures and maintenance methods which fit the field condition.
●Research on countermeasure techniques against frost heave of cut slope
In cold snowy regions, damage to civil engineering structures caused by frost heave of cut slope is of
a problem. The team conducts research on countermeasure techniques against frost heave under the
cold environment through on-site fact-finding surveys and trial constructions.
●Research on aseismatic reinforcing technologies for foundation structures on problematic soil
The team clarifies behavior of problematic soil during earthquakes such as peaty soft ground and
volcanic ash soil and conducts research on aseismatic reinforcing technologies for pile foundations
constructed in problematic soil.
Long-term settlement of embankment
Geological Hazards Research Team
●Research into rock slope disasters
In Hokkaido, there have been many rock slope failures such as Toyohama Tunnel in 1996 and Erimo
Slope in 2004, threatening the life and property of residents and obstructing traffic and economic
activities. In this situation, the team conducts research with a special focus on rock ground deterioration
and the histories of collapses on rock slopes, which are outstanding issues for evaluating rock slope
failures appropriately and taking effective countermeasures.
●Research into natural heavy metals
Recently, natural hazardous heavy metals such as arsenic and lead exceeding the environmental limits
Rock slope failure on Route 5 (2007)
have been increasingly detected at construction sites for tunnel construction, etc. Appropriate
evaluation and countermeasures are urgently needed. In this situation, the team conducts research to
develop technologies for long-term hazards evaluation of heavy metals and highly accurate risk assessment technologies, in order to
resolve the outstanding issues in evaluating and taking measures against these natural heavy metals.
29
15/08/26 8:49
Cold-Region Maintenance Engineering Research Group
Civil engineering structures in cold snowy regions are subject to the actions of freezing and thawing caused by low temperatures, and
chloride ions from seawater and deicing salt. So they are deteriorated by frost or combined frost and chloride attack etc., and their functions
are reduced by frost heaving or insufficient bearing capacity.
In order to improve durability and to appropriately maintain the functions of civil engineering structures for a longer period of time under
such environmental conditions, developments of design and maintenance technologies adapted to the unique conditions of cold snowy
regions in particular are required.
In the Cold-Region Maintenance Engineering Research Group, in order to resolve these subjects, the Materials Research Team and the Road
Maintenance Research Team, are conducting research to develop technologies to preserve structures: quality control and maintenance,
repair, renewal, reinforcement and other technologies to improve durability of concrete or pavement structures in cold snowy regions.
Materials Research Team
●Research into evaluation of the durability and load bearing
capacity of concrete structures deteriorated by combined
effect of frost and salt attack
To maintain the performance of concrete structures over a long
period of time, the team develops progress prediction method of
combined deterioration by crack and scaling due to frost attack,
equations for evaluating chloride ion penetration and
performance verification methods. Concerning the impact load
bearing strength of RC bridge wall rail deteriorated by a
combination of frost and salt attack, the team conducts
experiments with freeze-thawed specimens and actual structure,
and establishes evaluation, inspection and diagnostic techniques
to reflect in maintenance.
●Research on repair technologies for concrete structures
In order to extend the life of concrete structures, the team,
sharing with Tsukuba Central Research Institute, is conducting
experiments, exposure tests and trial constructions for crack
repair methods aimed at systematization of required
performances and existing technologies.
Field work of the complex deterioration structure
Exposure test of the repaired concrete specimens
near the shore
Road Maintenance Research Team
●Research into measures against pavement deterioration in
cold regions
Pavement in snowy, cold regions has been deteriorated and
damaged uniquely by frost heaving and low-temperature
cracking in midwinter, decreased subgrade bearing capacity
and freeze-thawing in snowmelt season as well as snow
removal and spraying of anti-freezing agents in winter. The
team is conducting research to elucidate of pavement
deterioration mechanisms under this kind of cold environment,
and countermeasures with materials and design methods.
●Research into environmental-friendly pavement technologies
In the development of infrastructure, environmental-friendly
attempts are being made for the realization of a low-carbon
society such as by promoting recycling. Such efforts in the
pavement field include low-temperature technologies at
manufacturing temperatures for asphalt admixtures and
recycling technology for pavement materials. The team
conducts research into applying these environmental-friendly
technologies by overcoming conditions different from other
regions such as temperatures, at the time of construction and
specifications for asphalt in cold, snowy regions.
30
Measures against deterioration/ damage unique to cold
region
Application of environmental technology to
pavement in cold region
15/08/26 8:49
Cold-Region Hydraulic and Aquatic Environment Engineering Research Group
Safe and sound living
and vigor
Balance
Preservation of natural
environment
Approximately half of the annual precipitation in Hokkaido falls as snow.
Snowy, cold
This means that the snowmelt runoff mechanism greatly affects the river
environment. The prefecture’s coastal areas abound in marine resources,
but they are prone to severe conditions during winter, including frigid
River basins
Coastal area
weather and drift ice.
Environment Fisheries
The Cold-Region Hydraulic and Aquatic Environment Engineering Group
develops technologies that are needed to strike a balance among securing
a safe and sound living in river basins and coastal regions, maintaining
vigorous socio-economic activities in those places, and preserving the rich natural environment. The Group also surveys interactions among
these elements of river management. These studies contribute to state-of-the-art projects of the government.
River Engineering Research Team
●Research into experiment for the mechanism of the overflow levee failure and
disaster mitigation countermeasures
Recently, there has been a concern that the risk of overtopping floods spawned by
local torrential rains is increasing, therefore technologies to mitigate damages on the
occasion of levee failures and technologies for safety assessment of levees are needed.
In response to this situation, the team is conducting large-scale overtopping failure
experiments close to the actual scale using the Chiyoda Experimental Water Channel,
in order to elucidate the mechanisms of levee break expansion and analyze the
hydraulic characteristics, thereby researching to improve the disaster mitigation
techniques against overtopping failures, safety evaluation technologies for levees,
and non-structural countermeasure techniques in flooded areas.
●Research into elucidation of river-ice hazards and development of their
countermeasures
River-ice hazard such as ice jams, i.e. ice blocking the river channel during snowmelt
season, occur in ice-covered rivers in snowy, cold regions. Moreover, the impacts of
global warming are expected to increase the risk of disasters in the future. Also, the
precision of discharge observations is compromised by the impact of ice.
Therefore, the team is working to elucidate the hydraulic characteristics in an icecovered river, field observation is carried out, and develop a numerical calculation
model that can reproduce ice sheet thickness and hydraulic of ice-covered rivers as a
preliminary step to proposing ice disaster countermeasures.
Experiment for the destructive mechanism at the CHIYODA
EXPERIMENTAL CHANNEL
The freezing situation of the class A river
Watershed Environmental Engineering Research Team
●Research into river channel continuity for fish and the spawning bed environment
Blocking the migration for salmonid with river structures such as head works and
sluice gates leads to emaciation and extinction of that spices. Even if river channel
continuity is secured, the absence of spawning beds cannot allow sustainable
inhabitation.
Therefore, the team researches the physical conditions of flow channel needed to
secure river channel continuity and spawning beds for cold water fish.
●Research into impact assessments of turbidity outflow and management method
Recently, a lot of turbidity has flowed out in association of extremely heavy rains,
causing declines in fish catches and suspended water intake for tap water due to longterm concentrated turbidity. Contrary to this, smaller suspended soil outflows have
caused coastal erosion and the loss of mudland. To resolve these problems, the team
is working to develop a method for turbidity assessment and management by
estimating turbidity outflow per grain size using radioisotopes.
Physiological/behavioral experiments on fish using
circulating water channel
Mu River
Tomakomai East Port
Mukawa Fish Port
Sp
ALOS: 26 August 2006
(Courtesy of JAXA)
Saru River
rin
W
int
er
gt
oA
ut
um
n
Pacific Ocean
Turbidity outflow from the Mu River and Saru River
31
15/08/26 8:49
Port and Coast Research Team
Sea ice flowing into the entrance to the lake
(February 2004)
Lake Notoro
●Research into coastal structure design responding to variations in ice force
Sea ice is widely distributed in the Sea of Okhotsk, but the recent change in ice force
has greatly affected fishing activities at coastal areas. For this reason, the team has
been conducting research on the development of structures to control ice movements
at entrances to the lake in coastal area and the research results have been applied to
the design for the ice booms. As of 2011, In order to cope with deterioration of coastal
structures induced by the action of the ice force, we have started in 2011 to study on
life extension of coastal structures in the cold regions by elucidating the deterioration
mechanisms of coastal structures exposed to sea ice action and low-temperature
environments, and proposing measures against deterioration based on the
phenomena.
●Research into coastal disaster prevention for ice impact due to tsunamis
As in the case of the Great East Japan Earthquake, damage by tsunamis caused
significant loss of life and property. Especially, damage by tsunamis with sea ice is
anticipated to be greater than normal tsunamis. For this reason, the team will clarify
potential damage due to tsunamis in the presence of sea ice in coastal regions, and
develop, as disaster prevention, design methods for tsunami evacuation facilities
(structural measures) and creation support of tsunami hazard map considering sea ice
impact (non-structual measures).
Sea of Okhotsk
Sea ice inflow
Ice boom
Sea ice flowing into the entrance to the lake on the Sea of
Okhotsk coast
Case of damage by tsunami with sea ice
(Hokkaido Tokachi-oki Earthquake in 1952)
Fisheries Engineering Research Team
●R esearch into coastal structures in harmony with the natural
environment
A seaweed bed is utilized as a fishing ground for kelp, sea urchin and
abalone. It is also the spawning bed for fish, and fosters diversified
organisms as the base of creating a good sea environment. However,
due to recent large-scale environmental changes including rising sea
temperatures, seaweed beds especially in the Sea of Japan off Hokkaido
are disappearing ( Barren ground), which is a grave concern. The team
will, therefore, conduct research to add the capacity to create seaweed
beds to coastal structures in order to maintain a good sea environment.
●Research into environmental conservation in coastal areas
Places near the mouth of a river are good fishing spots because of the
abundance of nutrient salts, but, on the other hand, flooding from the
river poses a big issue as massive numbers of useful marine species can
perish. The team will, therefore, investigate the impact of outflow of
floating mud and nutrient salts from the land on the habitat environment,
and conduct research contributing to proper management methods in
coastal areas.
32
Barren ground
Wave
→
Restored seaweed bed
Addition of seaweed bed
Natural harmony type coastal structure
Impact of turbidity reproduced with numerical simulation
15/08/26 8:49
Cold-Region Road Engineering Research Group
On winter roads in cold snowy regions, congestion, accidents, and road closures are caused by snow falling and accumulating on roads, road
surface freezing, whiteouts caused by blowing snow, or snow avalanches. In order to support rich and high quality lives of the citizens of
Japan and increase the vitality of cold snowy regions in the face of population decline, aging of society, and tight financial conditions, it is
vital to maintain and to improve the functions of winter road traffic by using more efficient and more effective winter road management
technologies and effective countermeasures to prevent winter traffic accidents. Climate change which has occurred in recent years has
increased the severity of snow and ice disasters such as heavy snowfall, blowing snow, or snow avalanches, and it is necessary to apply
countermeasure technologies to deal with these phenomena in order to lower the impact of snow and ice disasters on the daily lives of
citizens and on their social and economic activities. Therefore, in the Cold-region Road Engineering Research Group, the Traffic Engineering
Research Team and the Snow and Ice Research Team are conducting research to maintain and improve the functions of roads in cold snowy
regions and on snow and ice disaster countermeasures.
Traffic Engineering Research Team
●Research into technology to support assessments of road surface management
level in winter
Any improvement intended to ensure safe and smooth winter road traffic
requires effective and efficient winter road surface management based on
objective and quantitative data. Cold-Region Traffic Engeneering Resaerch
Team is struggling to develop technologies to support appropriate winter road
surface management by road managers through research and development of
quantitative and objective winter road surface condition measurement
technologies applying the friction value of road surfaces etc., and technologies
to correctly evaluate the effectiveness of snow removal and other road
management.
●Research into lane-departure preventive measures in suburban areas
Roads in suburban regions generally have two-lane without median strips,
Therefore, many serious accidents such as head-on collisions have occurred by
slipping during the winter on these roads. The teams is, therefore, working to
develop effective lane deviation prevention countermeasure technologies
such as buffer type guard fences to enhance safety of road traffic for suburbs in
cold snowy regions.
View of continuous measurement of
road surface friction values
Buffer type wire rope guard fence
Snow and Ice Research Team
●Research on the technology for poor visibility estimate in snowstorms
In late years, by a low pressure developing rapidly, a snowstorm disaster occurs
so far in the infrequent area. However, the installation of snowstorm
countermeasures such as snow-break forests and snow fences requires costs. In
addition, these countermeasures have limitation for extreme snowstorms.
Therefore this team works on the development of the technique to predict a
snowstorm visibility, and to give information to contribute to the risk reduction
of the snowstorm disaster.
●Research on technology for risk assessment of snow storm along continuous
road side
On winter roads, many multi-vehicle collisions and stranded vehicles caused by
snowstorm have occurred. In order to take efficient countermeasures against
snowstorm, it is necessary to extract places (high-snowstorm-risk places) in
which countermeasures will be taken preferentially from regular routes.
Therefore, this team is carrying out research on technology for risk assessment
of snowstorm along continuous road side based on continuous weather data
measured by using a visibility observation vehicle.
Snowstorm Visibility Information System
The visibility observation vehicle
33
15/08/26 8:49
Cold-Region Agricultural Development Research Group
Hokkaido is a cold, snowy region with widely distributed problem soils such
as peat and heavy clay soil. It is innately a severe farming environment, but
soils have been improved and agricultural irrigation and drainage
infrastructures have been built. Hokkaido is now home to highly productive
large-scale faming practiced mostly by full-time farmers and serves as the
food supply of Japan.
To further develop strong agriculture in Hokkaido utilizing the rich water and
spacious land resources, the group conducts research and technological
development into maintaining and managing existing irrigation and
drainage infrastructures in a good condition, for reinforcing drainage and
irrigation facilities that are suited for climate variations and changes in the
water demand, and establishing a system for utilizing local organic resources
and natural energy. These activities are undertaken by the Rural Resources
Conservation Research Team and Irrigation and Drainage Facilities Research
Team.
Agriculture in Hokkaido, the base of food /
Sustainable growth of rural areas
Improvement of land productivity
and labor productivity
・Technology development to support
farming in large-scale farmland
Technology development for maintaining
and preserving the agricultural irrigation
and drainage facilities
・Establishment of stock management for
irrigation and drainage facilities
Technology development to sustain
agricultural infrastructure
・Demonstration and development of field
technologies to support cyclical farming
・Technology development for controlling
material cycle in soil
Adaptive technology to climatic change
・Development of technologies for effective
management of water recourses irrigation
and for preservation of farmland
Rural Resources Conservation Research Team
●Research into soil nutrient control technologies for large-scale rice paddy
through underground irrigation
The dynamics of soil nutrients have not been elucidated for rice paddies
installed with underground irrigation in peaty soil widely found across
cold, snowy regions.
The team aims to realize a large-scale farmland usage system that is
Methane-fermented digested
Soil water determination device being
liquid being applied
installed
sustainable and in harmony with the environment by elucidating the
dynamics and developing technologies for controlling soil nutrients by means of controlling underground irrigation water levels
appropriate for the growth stage of crops.
●Research into technologies for improving soil productivity through fermented livestock feces
The team compares the soil productivity improvement effects among waste modified biomass (livestock slurry, composts, aerobically
fertilized irrigation slurry, methane-fermented digested slurry, sewage nutrient salts, etc.) which are applied to farmland, and aims to
propose effective technologies for improving soil productivity (e.g., drainage, water retention, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), crop yield,
crop quality improvement, and increased soil carbon storage amount).
Irrigation and Drainage Facilities Research Team
●Research into methods for diagnosing deteriorating agricultural water
use infrastructure because of frost damage and technologies for
improving durability
In order to ensure a stable supply of food, it is necessary to ensure that
irrigation and drainage infrastructure is maintained and managed
properly. Therefore, the team develops methods for diagnosing
deterioration induced by frost damage and highly durable repair
technologies that are applicable to the irrigation and drainage
infrastructures under the severe conditions of cold regions where
Irrigation open channel deteriorated by frost damage and snowmelt water
concrete is prone to freeze-thawing action.
seeping through a crack
●Research into technologies for controlling sediment yield from large-scale farmland
Some upland field areas in Hokkaido are at a high risk of water erosion, because the flow of rainfall
and snowmelt water is likely to concentrate in a large-sized area and erodible volcanic ash soil is
distributed in some areas. Therefore, the team proposes technologies for controlling sediment yield
in large-scale upland field areas for the purpose of conserving the function of drainage canals and
small rivers.
●Research into agricultural water management under climate variations in snowy cold regions
In snowy cold regions where snow is an important water resource, changes in snow precipitation
Water erosion in a upland field in
and snowmelt season due to climate variations have great impacts. For this reason, the team is
snowmelt season
working to elucidate the influence of climate variations on the demand and supply of agricultural
water, and develop water management technologies for a stable water supply.
34
15/08/26 8:49
Director for Cold-Region Technology Development Coordination
This organization of the Director for Cold-Region Technology Development Coordination and his staff was established in fiscal 2008 to
promote greater effectiveness and efficiency in resolving technical issues and disseminating research results associated with the development
of cold and snowy regions including Hokkaido. The director has established a Cold-Region Technology Promotion Division (with Branch
offices in northern and eastern Hokkaido) and Machinery Technology Research Team. Each team works cross-functionally across the entire
institute and in collaboration/cooperation with respective research teams at the institute and other project institutions. The Cold-Region
Technology Promotion Division disseminates research results inside and outside of Hokkaido, and promotes use of intellectual properties.
Branch offices are involved in technical dissemination activities and research supports, and the Machinery Technology Research Team is
committed to research and development by fully utilizing mechanical technologies in the cold snowy regions and information and
communications technologies.
Director for Cold-Region Technology Development Coordination
Research
team
Collaboration/
cooperation
○Cold-Region Technology Promotion Division
・Dissemination of research results in and out of Hokkaido
・Promotion of using intellectual properties
・Research supports in the area with a research team
○Branch offices
・Technical dissemination in various parts of Hokkaido
・Research support in the area with a study team
○Machinery Technology Research Team
・Research and development on mechanical technologies in various business areas
Collaboration/
cooperation
Project
institution
Cold-Region Technology Promotion Division
The Cold-Region Technology Promotion Division is involved
with the dissemination of research results at the Civil
Engineering Research Institute for Cold Region, promotion of
using intellectual properties, e.g., patents obtained from the
research results, technical consultations, technical guidance
and publicity activities for the Institute.
[Dissemination of research results]
Selection of technologies that the Institute should focus on
Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Region seminar
disseminating, show at technology exhibitions inside and
(Special lecture and panel exhibition)
outside of Hokkaido, and sponsorship and operation of PWRI
new technology showcase and the Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Regions’ seminars.
[Promotion of using intellectual properties]
Activities relating to the acquisition, maintenance and promotion of intellectual properties, e.g., patents
[Technical consultations]
Various coordination as a point of contact for the overall Institute concerning technical consultations and guidance
[Publicity activities]
Planning and operation of efforts to open the Institute to the public, coordination for and operation of facility tours of the Institute,
preparation of the Institute brochure and video picture materials
Branch offices
The two Branch offices established in northern and eastern
Hokkaido respond to regional technical consultations for
resolving regional technical issues and are committed to
disseminating research results and activities for improving
regional technological capabilities. Also, they are, in
collaboration with research teams, involved with research
supports such as field surveys and tests, and introduce technical
Engineer Exchange Forum
Field survey at the paddy field
data, etc. in order to disseminate research results.
[Technical consultations and technology dissemination activity]
Regional point of contact for technical consultations, sponsorship and operation of on-site seminars and cold region technology seminars
held in various parts of Hokkaido, and hosting of engineer exchange forum aimed at exchange of information on regionally-required
technology development and exchange and collaboration of academic, business and governmental engineers and researchers
[Research supports]
Survey on research needs of the regions, surveys and research supports in collaboration with research teams (preliminary coordination
with related agencies for field surveys and tests and conducting of surveys and tests, analysis/compilation of data, preparation/
dissemination of technical data, etc.), investigations and studies for resolving technological issues peculiar to the region
35
15/08/26 8:49
Machinery Technology Research Team
[Snow removal machinery management system]
●Research into efficient and effective snow removal technologies
Securing smooth winter road traffic in cold, snowy regions is indispensable for communities, and
local needs for snow removal from the roadways is very high. On the other hand, public investment
in recent years is restricted and it is in the situation which the cost about snow removal must also
Snowfall
forecast,
reduce. And in order to secure smooth winter road traffic, it is necessary to consider more efficiency
etc.
Snow removal operation state,
in snow removal. Therefore, the team shares, accumulates and analyzes detailed information on the
spraying state, call-out decision,
operation support
operation of snow removal machinery, weather information, etc. utilizing ICT and works to develop
Information sharing
snow removal management technology to allow more efficient and effective snow removal work.
(Collection and instruction)
The team also works to develop technologies for treating frozen road surfaces coupled with
improvements to spraying of deicing agents and spraying machines, and to develop technologies
for treating winter road surfaces of sidewalks.
●Research into underwater investigation technologies for coastal facilities in cold ocean areas
Harbor and port facilities are rapidly aging. 18 years later, approximately 58% of quays will be over 50
years old. Repair and renovation en bloc will be necessary. Inspection of underwater infrastructure is conducted by divers, but the involved
work is inefficient and high-cost, and is greatly affected by the low temperatures. There is no underwater probing technology to examine
the inside of the structures, while probing is strongly desired by harbor and port manager. Supposing that the inside of underwater
structures can be probed, the team is working to measure the cavities inside of a structure using pumped filler sand, along with the defective
state on the underwater structure surfaces. Their aim is to develop measurement technology that permits visual expression using acoustics,
as well as technology for measuring sea ice as it approaches coastal infrastructure in order to identify the influence on structures.
Research Unit
A research unit is established to address flexible and multidisciplinary research that meets the needs of government and the public. It is
involved in effective and efficient research and development without being divided into research groups or teams.
Scenic Landscape Research Unit
Research outline
Since old times, it has been said that beauty (landscape) is a requirement to be fulfilled for social capital, as well as
utility (function) and solidity (strength/durability). In recent years, on the other hand, it has been required to utilize
infrastructures for creation of good landscapes and tourism following the promulgation of the Landscape Act and the
Basic Act for Promoting a Tourism-Oriented Country. Also, tourism has become an important industry in Japan and
Proposal for creating methods
for good road landscapes
many tourists visit Hokkaido from home and abroad seeking the beautiful scenery.
This unit conducts research to support these areas by improving infrastructure quality and enhancing the utility value.
Research topics
●Research into landscapes in public spaces
The unit studies evaluation methods for road landscapes, methods for improving landscapes in cold snowy
regions and conducts a broad range of other road landscaping research. The results are compiled in the
Hokkaido Road Design Book (tentative title). To facilitate landscaping construction in public spaces, the unit
conducts research on the social effects of landscapes, effective landscaping measures against electric cables
Proposal for improving plan for
attractive road stations
and poles, functional and color designs for road infrastructures, utilization of wood for civil engineering
(michi-no-eki)
facilities, evaluation technologies for public spaces in tourist destinations, etc.
●Research into the utilization of infrastructure for tourism
The unit conducts research leading to easy-to-understand informatory signs and environmental improvement for rapidly increasing foreign
tourists by car. To respond to recent various needs for michi-no-eki (road stations) that are very effective in regional developments, the unit
also studies techniques of planning/design leading to function improvement and of disaster prevention function improvement.
Weather Disaster Prevention Unit
Irrigation and Drainage
Facilities Research Team
Research outline
Prediction by
Estimation of
Recently, serious disasters that had not been encountered before have occurred, e.g., decreased
climatic change
snowfall and
of influence
snowmelt
snowmelt flow and heavy traffic jams induced by blizzards associated with the climate change. The unit
influence of
climatic change
is comprised of three teams Watershed Environmental Engineering Research Team, Snow and Ice
on cold regions
Research Team and Irrigation and Drainage Facilities Research Team. The teams cooperate and
Watershed
coordinate with each other about such research topics as influence prediction of climate change and
Environmental
Snow and Ice
Engineering
Research Team
Research Team
change in the snowmelt flow in snowy cold regions, which are shared topics among these teams. The
unit exchanges information with weather research institutions, etc. to extend our knowledge of the
Relation between the research unit
climate so that each team may advance their research efficiently and effectively.
(enclosed in red) and respective teams
Research topics
●Influence prediction of climate change in snowy cold regions,and future estimation of snowfall and snowmelt
36
15/08/26 8:49
Research groups
International Centre for Water Hazard
and Risk Management (ICHARM)
TSUKUBA CITY
Water-related disasters, such as floods, droughts, landslides, tsunamis and storm
surges, and water pollution, are among major problems that mankind has to
overcome to ensure sustainable development and eliminate poverty. They are
coming to be recognized as common challenges that international society must
tackle cooperatively to resolve. This is due to the fact that serious water-related
disasters are on the rise in various parts of the world, and the potential for damage
is growing more serious because the risk of disaster is increasing as people and
public resources concentrate in urban areas and because industrial structures are
growing more sophisticated. Furthermore, global climate change is reportedly
causing local increases in heavy rains and lengthening drought periods, which
could worsen the situation. The spirit of UNESCO has a lot to do with ICHARM.
UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to peace and security around the world by
promoting collaboration among nations through education, science and culture.
As a way to achieve this mission, UNESCO has stated that helping to resolve
water-related issues is one of the priorities of its science division.
Against this backdrop, the International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk
Management (ICHARM) was established under the auspices of UNESCO as a
category II center within the Public Works Research Institute on March 2006.
ICHARM’s mission is to function as a global Center of Excellence that provides and
assists regions with different natural and social conditions in the implementation
of the best practicable strategies for managing the risks of water-related disasters.
ICHARM has engaged in various activities since it was established. In 2010,
ICHARM was recognized as the world's most active UNESCO’s water-related
center in UNESCO’s external audit report as a result of the comparative crossfunctional evaluation that compared ICHARM with other category II centers. In
this way, our activities have received worldwide recognition.
ICHARM will continue improving its expertise and deepening its activities to
implement "Local Practice".
37
15/08/26 8:49
In order to fulfill the ICHARM mission, the Water-related Hazard Research Group has been formed as the main part of ICHARM and implementing
all the ICHARM's pillar activities, based on localism, a guiding principle that considers the needs, key issues and developmental stage of a locality
and respects its natural, social and cultural diversity while reflecting global and local experience and trends in disaster management and other
relevant fields.
The mission of ICHARM is to serve as the Global Centre of Excellence for water hazard and risk management by observing and analyzing natural and
social phenomena, developing methodologies and tools, building capacities, creating knowledge networks, and disseminating lessons and
information in order to assist governments and all stakeholders in managing risks of water-related hazards at global, national, and community
levels. The hazards to be addressed include floods, droughts, landslides, debris flows, tsunamis, storm surges, water contamination, and snow and
ice.
We envision a Center of Excellence housing a group of world-leading researchers and superior facilities and knowledge base, all of which are
committed to i) innovative research, ii) effective capacity building, and iii) efficient information networking. Standing on these three pillars, ICHARM
will globally serve as a knowledge hub for best national and local
Innovative Research
practices and as an advisor in practical policy making.
-Advanced Technology( i ) Innovative research
New Knowledge
Result
High-quality research outcomes and a wide scope of knowledge
relevant to water-related risk management establish ICHARM as a
Communities
Donors
global leader and resourceful partner for promoting water-related risk
NGOs
KDPA, KICT, K -Water
management world-wide.
USGS, USBR, IWR
SHI
IWHR, IRTCES
MLIT, MEXT, NILIM, UNU,
ADRC, FRICS, NARBO, IFNet,
1. Develop methodologies to observe, predict and analyze waterTC
JWF,
JICA,
GRIPS,
JAXA,
UNESCO, WMO, ISDR,
ICIMOD,
DPRI, UY
IAHS, IAHR, ICSU,
BWDB, RID,
UCD
related hazards, supporting assessment of water-related risks.
UNESCO -IHE
DID, HTC,
HidroEX
ADB, PAGASA
MRC
RCUWM TEHRAN, IWPC
2. Pioneer new methods and models to assess, analyze and monitor
UGM, TDMRC, BBWS Solo
exposure and vulnerability to water-related hazards, supporting risk
Practitioners
Researchers
management at both local and global scales.
Policymakers
Data
New research
3. Propose practical policy tools for integrated and comprehensive
theme
Knowledge
water and risk management to enhance human and ecosystem
Efficient Information
Effective Capacity
resilience, for instance through preparedness, early warning, and
Networking
New network
Building
hard-soft integration.
( ii ) Effective capacity building
Three goals of ICHARM activities
Local capacity is essential to sound management of water-related risks.
Through provision of cutting-edge training which emphasizes development and application of advanced knowledge and solutions, ICHARM
supports a global network of exemplary practitioners of water-related hazard and risk management.
4. Foster the development of solution-oriented practitioners with solid theoretical and engineering competence who will contribute effectively to
the planning and practice of disaster management at any levels, from local to international.
5. Build a network of local experts and institutions equipped to address water-related risks with accumulated knowledge and applied skill both in
research and practice.
( iii ) Efficient information networking
ICHARM’s broad knowledge base and primary research findings support powerful and comprehensive opinions which guide water-related hazard
and risk management solutions from global to local scales.
6. Accumulate, analyze and disseminate major water-related disaster records and experiences as the comprehensive knowledge center for
practitioners.
7. Mainstream disaster risk reduction policy by facilitating active collaboration and communication within an influential global institutional network
and through dissemination of technical knowledge for water-related hazard and risk management.
●Development of core technology for flood and water resource management
ICHARM develops basic technology for integrated flood and water
Development of basic technology for flood/water resource management
resource management using satellite-based rainfall observation
IFA S
data and elevation data, and provides flood/water resource analysis
Integrated Flow
Analysis System
tools, which can be used to analyze long-term flow of not only flood
flows but also low-lying water and artificial water control systems in
developing countries with poor hydrologic engineering/GIS data.
●Research on flood risk assessment and management
ICHARM aims to develop assessment methods and countermeasures
on the basis of research on flood risk assessment and risk
Drafting of the flood disaster harm risk management
management and their local practice.
Research on flood risk assessment and management
policy and human resources development
●Development of people who will plan and implement policies on
water disaster risk management
ICHARM undertakes short-term training countries for regional
disaster prevention planning, flood forecasting, etc. in cooperation
with agencies such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency
(JICA) and UNESCO. Also, in collaboration with the National Graduate
Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) and JICA, this group has provided
the one-year master’s degree program entitled Water-related Risk
Management Course of the Disaster Management Policy Program
since FY2007.
Fig. 4 Simulated peak water depths at the Kabul River basin. The circled areas A to E
were suggested to be flooded by the model simulation
.
1970s
1980s
Forest silviculture and nursing
1990s
Maintenance
2000s
2010s
Mangrove forestation
(Year )
Logging mangrove forest
A
No. of cyclone evacuation shelters built
132
470
770
2,100
2,941
Development of an early warning system and improvements
B
Senario
Progress of cyclone disaster measures
and improvements
1960s
Banking
Disaster-prevention education
Disaster-prevention education for women
Reinforcement and
renovation of housing
(Proposal)
Dama
ge de
clinin
Death toll 50,000
g
(1960-65)
Death toll 30,000-50,000
(Cyclone in 1970)
Death toll 50,000
(1960-65)
Death toll 138,863
(1991)
C
Death toll 3,363
(Cyclone Sidr in 2007)
Cyclone damage countermeasures in Bangladesh
and transition of damages
38
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Assessment and Research (CAESAR)
TSUKUBA CITY
In 2007, an interstate highway bridge in the American state of
Minnesota collapsed, resulting in a number of casualties. In
Japan, emergency measures were taken to repair structural
members of bridges such as the Kisogawa Bridge on National
Route 23 and the Honjo Bridge on National Route 7, and it had
a major social impact. In the near future, the tremendous
number of structures that were built during the period of high
economic growth will start to deteriorate at around the same
time. Therefore, urgent measures must be taken to evaluate
the soundness of these structures and develop techniques and
technologies for maintaining and managing them.
For this purpose, the Center for Advanced Engineering
Structural Assessment and Research was established as part of
the reorganization of the existing research facilities on April 1,
2008.
The Center is composed mainly of part of the former
Technology Promotion Division’s Structural Management
Technical Team of the Tsukuba Central Research Institute, the
Seismic Reinforcement Team of the Seismic Reinforcement
Research Group, and the Base Team and Bridge Team of the
Structure Research Group. The Center consists of a Director
and the Bridges and Structural Engineering Research Group.
The Center for Advanced Engineering Structural Assessment
and Research works with road managers to maintain and
Saiji Bridge collapsed during the 2008
Iwate-Miyagi Inland Earthquake
Failure in a truss bar of the Kisogawa
Bridge
manage the soundness of road bridges and other such
structures, conduct research to solve problems related to
seismic
reinforcement
measures,
and
promotes
the
development and widespread use of technology and
knowledge related to the maintenance, design and
construction of road bridges.
Furthermore, to provide the public with research results and
accumulated technologies, standardization is being promoted,
and technicians and researchers from road management
organizations, universities, the private sector, etc., are being
accommodated at the Center to further enhance technical
The reinforced concrete Miuchi
Bridge was damaged by ASR.
An inner section of Kuretsubo Bridge that sustained salt
damage.
prowess.
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Bridges and Structural Engineering Research Group
The Bridges and Structural Engineering Research Group focuses on developing technologies that can quickly and accurately evaluate and
predict the performance of individual bridges. It is engaged in research that covers all aspects of road bridges, including design and
construction technology, maintenance and management technology, survey and diagnostic methods, and repair and reinforcement
techniques. It is also promoting the development of a comprehensive technical maintenance and management system, and a technical
system for preventing disasters. The Group is organized to transcend the traditional framework of specialists who would develop technologies
for their respective fields of steel superstructures, concrete superstructures, substructures, base structures, and seismic reinforcement. The
research rather takes a longitudinal approach focusing on inspection methods, evaluation and prediction methods, reinforcement and repair
methods, and management systems. At the same time, integrated research is conducted with dual employees from the Tsukuba Central
Research Institute, the Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Regions, etc., and the acquisition of technologies, as CAESAR is promoted
by having alliances with outside specialists. In this way, the Group acts as a “control tower” for maintaining the structural safety of road
bridges in Japan.
Superstructure
Outside experts
Invited researchers
Base material
Cold regions
Inspection
technology
Seismic
reinforcement
technology
Maintenance and
reinforcement
technology
Organization of special
countermeasures unit
Prediction evaluation
technology
Management
system
Concrete
structure
Substructure
Solving problems on-site using a clinical research approach
The condition of an existing bridge depends not only on how it was originally designed, but also on conditions during its construction, the
subsequent environment after many years of use, traffic load, and erosion environments such as windblown salt. The complex phenomena
that differ with each bridge are extremely difficult to reproduce with model tests. For that purpose, it is essential to examine numerous
clinical case studies of severe damage and acquire large amounts of experimental and measured data from actual bridges that can be
integrated with the theoretical framework of model tests. Therefore, target bridges are selected from throughout Japan and subjected to
measurements and structural analyses using state-of-the-art methods in order to understand the true state of damage. The results are being
continuously surveyed for both bridges that have already been repaired and/or reinforced, or will be in the future. Studies targeting such
actual bridges are called “clinical studies” in the same sense as clinical studies used in medical research, and form the core methodology of
research and development.
In order to prevent collapse, damage,
closure, etc. of aging bridges…
Preventing collapsed bridges
What is the level of damage?
Various non-destructive inspection methods
Leveling off concurrent replacement time
Management system
When should the bridge be maintained?
Inspection
Various methods have been
proposed but are the survey
results reliable?
Deck plate
Crack
U-rib
What repair method should be used?
Various maintenance methods
Did you select a method that matches
the cause of damage and the state of
progression?
Maintenance requires again…
Follow-up
Monitoring technology
Detection of
damage, etc.
Degradation prediction
Nondestructive
inspections
Invisible parts, etc.
The concept does
exist but…
Prediction/
evaluation
Load bearing force
of materials and bridges
Repair/
Prediction of future
Reinforcement degradation, etc.
Selecting a method
that matches the
cause of damage
and the state of
progression
Is it safe to let people use the bridge as is?
Methods for evaluating the load resistance of
bridges to match the state of their damage
Replacement
(of bridges)
It is necessary to upgrade
the evaluation methods
Incorporation
into new Bridges that are more resilient to earthquakes
bridges Bridges that are easy to manage and maintain
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Increasing the level of maintenance and management
technology for bridges
An asset management system exists for evaluating technologies and techniques that can make
efficient and effective investment in public infrastructure and enable strategic management
and maintenance. However, it is necessary not only to improve the techniques for evaluating
aging trends of bridges on the macro level, which has attracted attention so far. It is also
necessary to focus on clinical surveys and research activities for individual road bridges.
Therefore, surveys are conducted with consideration given to differences in individual bridges
and estimates are made of their remaining load resistance at the present time and the process
of deterioration that is expected to occur in the future, in an effort to raise the technical level for
determining the timing for repairing, reinforcing, or even replacing bridge sections or even
entire bridges.
As technological development at various stages of maintenance and management, we conduct
research and development on inspection technology to comprehend the state of bridges
efficiently and rationally, ways to accurately evaluate the impact of damaged material on the
soundness of the entire bridge system, methods for verifying whether the repair/replacement
technology meets performance requirements, and the rationalization and sophistication of
maintenance and management by accumulating and utilizing information.
Deteriorated reinforced concrete bridge and load
bearing test using its member
Development of comprehensive technical disaster
mitigation for major earthquakes
Since public infrastructure in Japan suffered major damage as a result of the Great Hanshin
Earthquake in 1995, seismic resistance for bridges in Japan was studied and improved. In more
recent years, however, there have been frequent major earthquakes with epicenters directly
beneath the ground, such as the Niigata Chuetsuoki Earthquake of 2007, and the Iwate and
Miyagi Inland Earthquakes of 2008, followed by a gigantic earthquake in the Pacific Ocean off
of the Tohoku area with a magnitude of 9.0 in 2011. These earthquakes reveal that there are
many more issues to be taken into account. Major earthquakes, such as Metropolitan epicentral
earthquakes and Tonankai earthquakes, are said to be imminent dangers. Against this backdrop,
we need measures for more efficient earthquake resistance despite limited budgets. Therefore,
we focus our research on technology for more exhaustive evaluations of earthquake-induced
behavior and the resistance characteristics/weakness of structures at the time of an earthquake,
and on technologies for proper reinforcement and/or for prompt function recovery if damaged.
Load bearing test with a corroded steel truss
removed from a bridge
Performance requirements and verification methods
Various new technologies are introduced to improve techniques for designing and building
bridges, but at the same time, the quality of bridges must be ensured. Therefore, the
performance required for individual elemental technologies and methods for that verification
are presented as a set via technical materials. To set technical standards, the Group does not
merely develop specifications, it also recommends required performance, items that should be
verified, etc., and is working to develop a new system that can report on technical efforts made
to improve the precision of design and construction.
As performance is developed, many new types of road structures are proposed and are
expected to increase in the future. And, diversification is required of methods for designing and
verifying these proposals in line with performance requirements. Therefore, we are working to
create an environment for socially optimum and rational new road structures to be introduced
and easily adopted by enabling standardized evaluations of the safety and operability in a
similar way to conventional road structures.
Bridge column base cracked by reaction to alkali
aggregate and specimen simulating it
* For more information about CAESAR, visit the following website.
http://www.pwri.go.jp/caesar/index-j.html
Emergency function recovery of an earthquakedamage bridge column (Sheet and bandage used)
41
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Innovative Materials and Resources
Research Center
TSUKUBA CITY
In recent years, cases in which deterioration of civil engineering materials affects
safety of the structure have occurred. With respect to social infrastructures which
will further get older, it is required to repair, apply reinforcing materials and
improve the durability of civil engineering materials for prolonged life of
infrastructures. It is also necessary to improve not only durability but also
performances or functions of civil engineering materials.
In these circumstances, “realization of effective and efficient maintenance and
renewal of infrastructures” was positioned as a focused goal to be achieved in
2030 in “Comprehensive Strategy on Science, Technology and Innovation 2014”
adopted by the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation, i.e. it was
determined to promote the development of technologies to improve the
durability of structural materials for infrastructures. It is also required to examine
the applicability of advanced materials to be developed here to the civil
engineering sector and carry out research toward practical use of them.
On the other hand, it is also necessary to promote research and development
toward a low-carbon recycling society, e.g. promoting effective utilization of
construction waste and those derived from other public works and streamlining
energy use relating to this utilization.
Based on above backgrounds, the Innovative Materials and Resources Research
Center (iMaRRC) was established on April 1, 2015. This center consists of a
executive director and a material resource research group.
iMaRRC promotes research and development of sophisticating and diversifying
material resources in collaboration with other research institutes and contributes
to efficient maintenance and renewal of civil engineering structures and building
of a low-carbon recycling society. In particular, iMaRRC conducts research on
engineering evaluation and suggestion for improvement of advanced materials
for site application, as well as studying sophistication of overall civil engineering
materials such as durability improvement. With regard to construction waste,
iMaRRC examines new recycling techniques and carries out research on evaluation
and improvement of environment safety/energy efficiency.
Outdoor exposure test for durability improvement (Okinawa)
42
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Performance improvement of civil engineering
materials
For civil engineering structures, steel and concrete materials are widely used as well as other
various materials such as asphalt, paint, rubber and plastics. In order to extend service life and
ensure load-carrying capacity of civil engineering structures, we have to achieve performance
improvement of these materials. In the case of concrete, for example, quality control of
materials, design of concrete mixtures, and utilization of surface impregnation materials and
coating materials are considered as measures for durability improvement. In addition, toward
extended service life of newly-developed and existing structures, it is required to not only
understand performances of materials and methods for repair and retrofit but also select
appropriate materials and methods for the structures.
This group conducts research toward performance improvement of overall civil engineering
materials. In addition, the group performs experimental studies such as outdoor exposure tests
to evaluate durability of civil engineering materials and carries out investigation on verification
methods for performance requirements.
Outdoor exposure tests of concrete specimens
Practical use of advanced and innovative materials
Research on only conventional materials such as steel and concrete is not always sufficient in
the sense of realizing a breakthrough. Recent research and development on materials have
remarkably progressed and many of advanced and innovative materials are newly being
developed. Some of these advanced materials have new functions such as lifetime/durability
improvement of civil engineering structures and easy detection/diagnosis of deterioration. For
instance, FRP achieves far higher strength than conventional steel and its weight is one-quarter
of steel, i.e. reducing weight at the same time. It is expected that effective application of such
advanced and innovative materials will significantly contribute to overcome the problems on
deteriorated structures and reduction in environmental impact we are facing right now.
There are various advanced construction materials under study and new seeds are constantly
created. The group conducts research accurately understanding such seeds in collaboration
with related research organization so that those can be effectively utilized for construction
structures.
Experiment of asphalt materials for paving
Experiment of materials having sensing functions
(neutralization detection sensor)
Effective utilization of construction waste/by-product
derived from other public works and streamlining
energy use relating to this utilization
In order to realize a sustainable society, it is necessary to develop technologies which effectively
utilizes waste generated during the construction/maintenance as a resource or energy in the
region. With regard to effective utilization, the group aims to develop low-carbon technologies
and local-production-for-local-consumption technologies making full use of unused local
resources.
With respect to technology development, the group offers required standards to be uniformly
applied across the country such as securing of safety and reduction in environmental impact,
streamlines safety and environmental preservation measures utilizing regional characteristics
and techniques to improve individual and regional energy efficiency and realizes technologies
which are able to respond to Japan’s various local environments and changes in the local
society in the future.
Full-scale model experiment of advanced structural
materials (experiment of structural FRP)
Methane fermentation experiment using a mixture
of sewage sludge and crushed cut grass
As for the development technology, the center systemizes and standardizes introduction methods of it to the site or region, facilitates
dissemination of it and contributes to the progress of the international society by participating in international standardization
activities, etc.
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Joint Research and Partnership with Other Organizations
Joint Research
We conduct joint research with research organizations such as private corporations and universities to promote more
efficient and effective research and development. Joint research includes an external research organization participating
in PWRI-proposed research topics, i.e. “PWRI proposed project”, and projects conducted in response to a proposal from an
external organization, i.e. “private proposed project”. During the 3rd period of our medium-term goals, we are scheduled
to conduct approximately 100 joint projects annually in an effort to create high-quality research results.
Joint Research Project System Diagram
PWRI proposed joint research project
Present
a research topic
PWRI
Private proposed joint research project
Setting
a research area
Joint research project
Private
sector, etc.
Joint research project for which PWRI presents a research
topic, and publicly seeks or designates a partner
PWRI
Joint research project
Proposing
technology
Private
sector, etc.
Joint research project for which PWRI sets a research area,
receives proposals through public posting and designates
a private, etc. partner who proposes unique and innovative
technology
Effects of efficiency-focused joint research system
Discover technical seeds possessed by private sector
Use part of intellectual property possessed by private sector
Creation of high-quality research results
Dissemination/Promotion of research results
Alliance with other organizations
PWRI makes Agreements for Civil Engineering Technology Alliance/Cooperation with local governments, universities and
other research institutions, and strives to create better and more ample research results for the purpose of contributing to
the efficient development of high-quality infrastructure under a comprehensive civil engineering technology alliance and
in mutual cooperation.
For example, we made an Alliance/Cooperation Agreement with the Independent Administrative Agency National
Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in 2007 for the purpose of mutual growth and contribution to the
society through research and development. Under the agreement, a “Study on an Integrated Subsurface Structural
Database” was conducted in the geological area by combining geological information with geotechnical engineering
information. Additionally, information was exchanged in the areas of road and robotic technologies. In this way, both
institutes work together and cooperate with each other in a wide variety of research areas.
In 2010, the Center for Advanced Engineering Structural Assessment and Research (CAESAR) made an Alliance/Cooperation
Agreement with the Independent Administrative Agency RIKEN on research into a small neutron imaging system to
combine with elemental technology on neutron radiography, and to inspect and analyze internal structures of bridges and
other structures. Application of the principle of neutron radiography, which offers excellent permeability, is expected to
permit nondestructive verification of the interior condition of bridge members, which is otherwise difficult to check.
A) Concrete specimen
B) Surface image
C) Aggregates
D) Aggregates/Cement
Fluoroscopy of concrete interior by neutron radiography
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Creation / Protection / Utilization of Intellectual Properties
PWRI appropriately manages intellectual properties based on an Intellectual Property Policy to
bring the best possible value to society as a whole in a strategic and active manner.
Concepts of the Intellectual Property Policy
Strategic
Creation
・Conduct R&D by utilizing intellectual
information
・Secure excellence of technology
Active
Appropriate
Utilization
Protection
・Comprehend the utilization
state at all times
・Actively promote utilization
・Bring useful valuable intellectual
property
property to light
・Periodic reviews based on usage
status,
status, etc.
○Industrial properties such as patents
Updated information on PWRI industrial properties
can be found at
http://www.pwri.go.jp/jpn/seika/chizai.html
○Publication under corporation copyright
Books available at bookstores have been published
as PWRI copyrighted work. Book titles can be found
on page 54 “Directory.”
Practical use example of industrial property:
Many patented construction methods are utilized at construction sites
under a license agreement.
Invairowan Method
(Patent No. 3985966)
(Environment-friendly technique
for on-site removal of coating
film from steel structures)
3H Method
(Patent Nos. 3463074 & 3424012)
(New technology for high pier
construction)
○Program copyrighted works
The following programs are utilized by the private
sector, etc. as utilization of PWRI copyrighted
programs.
1D Sediment Simulation Program
1D Reservoir Riverbed Variation Calculation Program
Vertical 2D Reservoir Flow Calculation Program
Compartment Line Repainting Assessment Software
For an outline and use of individual intellectual properties, please contact the Construction Technology Research
Department via telephone at 029-879-6800 or e-mail at [email protected] as we will brief you separately.
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Introduction of PWRI-Developed Technologies Utilized at Construction Sites
Received the Monozukuri Nippon Grand Award / Infrastructure Technology Development Award
Invairowan Method (Environment-friendly technique for on-site removal of coating film from steel
structures)
(Advanced Materials Research Team)
In order to prolong the lifespan of steel structures, it is necessary to
peel of conventional coating materials and switch to longer lasting
heavy-duty anti-corrosion coating materials. In joint research with
a private sector company, PWRI has developed a new removal
method that can safely and efficiently remove and collect the old
coating film softened in the form of sheet without scattering
coating dust in the surrounding area; it is much better than
conventional mechanical methods such as blasting, disk sanding,
Coating film being peeled off
Site application
water jetting, etc. This method received the 8th Infrastructure
Technology Development Award (MLIT Minister’s Award) in 2006 and the 2nd Monodzukuri Nippon Grand Award (Prime Minister’s Award)
in 2007. So far, it has been applied to a total of 285 bridges and other structures throughout Japan, exceeding 460,000 m2 in total area, by
the national government, local governments, and a government-affiliated corporations.
Gravity thickening technology that uses ‘Water Path Forming Poles’
(Recycling Research Team)
In order to efficiently treat sewage sludge, it is necessary to remove
as much water as possible from the sludge and thicken it. This
technique increases the sedimentation rate of sewage sludge
using 'Water Path Forming Poles' (WPFPs). Specifically, by slowly
rotating a sludge collector fitted with WPFPs vertically in a gravity
thickener, ‘water
paths’ where liquid moves easily form
immediately behind the poles. This draws out the water present
between sludge particles and high density thickened sludge
precipitates to the bottom of the thickener.
This technique received the 7th Infrastructure Technology
Development Award (MLTL Minister’s Award) and the 1st
Water path Forming poles
WPFPs installed at the Engaru Wastewater
Treatment Plant
Monodzukuri Nippon Grand Award (Prime Minister’s Award) in 2005. This technique has been introduced at wastewater treatment plants in
13 locations in Japan including Tomakomai, Kumamoto, and Imabari, resulting in higher-density thickened sludge at all of the plants.
PCL construction method using a partially- thinned reinforcing plate
PCL construction method is a technology to reinforce an aged tunnel with inner reinforcing precast
concrete. There was a problem when lining concrete of a tunnel in service is deformed by external
force, etc., the hollow cross section is too small to provide inner reinforcement and the clearance limit
is not secured. Therefore, this team has developed a reinforcing slab with a partially-thinned shoulder
(Tunnel Research Team)
Existing lining
Waterproofing (sheet)
Injection of backfilling material
PCL panel
in which the clearance limit is hard to be secured and a PCL construction method using it. The team
won the 16th Infrastructure Technology Development Award 2014 (podium) for this technology. This
method has been adopted to Naruko Tunnel on Route 47 and Tashiro Tunnel on Niigata prefectural
road.
Thin parts
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ALiCC Method (Design method that applies the arch effect for soil improvements using a lower improvement
ratio) (Construction Technology Research Team)
The ALiCC (Arch-action Low improvement ratio Cement
Column) Method is a design method used when carrying
out soil improvements with a low improvement ratio. It
considers the arch effect that occurs within the embankments
in order to rationally calculate the embankment loads that
act upon the cement improvement columns and on the
unimproved soft ground. As a result, by equally arranging
the improvement body directly below an embankment at
the entire area, it is possible to reduce costs and shorten
the construction period, while controlling embankment
Soil improvement work at Maibara Bypass
Soft ground countermeasure work
at the Maruyama River
settlement and uneven settlement. As a result, by placing
the improvement columns evenly across the entire area directly beneath an embankment, it is possible to reduce costs and shorten the
construction period, while also reducing embankment subsidence and uneven settlement.
This method was awarded the 15th Infrastructure Technology Development Award in 2013. It has been adopted in constructions of Maibara
Bypass and Maruyama River by the Kinki Regional Development Bureau and a road widening construction on Route 57 in Moriyama region
by the Kyushu Regional Development Bureau. As of December 2014, the number of constructions is 104 and the constructed volume is more
than 670,000 m3.
Technique Selected as an effective and Serviceable method on the NETIS
Rumble Strips
(Traffic Engineering Research Team)
The installation of rumble strips is a technique to prevent
(Project cost per meter)
vehicle-departure head-on collisions by excavating and
250,000 yen or above
Project cost
<
_ 1/160
250K yen
recessing the centerline pavement surface. This recessed
centerline generates sound and vibrations to awaken/remind
the driver when a running vehicle passes over the centerline.
4K yen
This technique was utilized for 1,655 km as of the end of FY2009
0
This technique is highly effective in preventing lane-departure.
641 km and were improved with rumble strips from FY2002 to
1,500 yen
2K yen
and selected as a NETIS-recommended technique in FY2009.
On 43 routes in Hokkaido which accounted for a total length of
5,500 yen
6K yen
Rumble strips
2007, the fatalities from head-on collisions for two years after
Central
divider
Rubber
poles
Rumble
strips
Cost reduction effects of rumble strips
(Comparison of actual costs in Yakumo in
2002)
installment are compared with that for two years before installment; the fatalities from head-on collisions decreased from 59 to 19, or, in
other words, by 68%. This technique is highly economical and easy to construct, and can reduce the cost per meter greatly compared to the
center divider. This technique is utilized for 2,060 km as of the end of FY2013.
PWRI’s Focused Dissemination Technologies/Techniques (FY2015)
In order to promote dissemination of R&D results efficiently and effectively, PWRI selects effective technologies for application as “focused
dissemination technologies/techniques” each year, and focuses on active dissemination activities. Representative examples are introduced
below.
Fluidized Bed Incineration System with Turbocharger
(Recycling Research Team)
This system improves incineration efficiency by incinerating the composite
Exhaust
gas
of sewage sludge and other biomass at approximately 0.15 MPa, and
Turbocharger
Chimney
allows utilization of compressed air generated by operating a turbocharger
with exhaust gas. It can reduce power consumption by 50%, fuel by 15%
and CO2 by 40%. It can also reduce a great amount of N2O, which has more
of a greenhouse effect than CO2 when the combustion temperature is
adjusted to the high-temperature zone. Based on good results in an
experimental plant located in Oshamanbe, Hokkaido, this system has
been adopted at 7 wastewater treatment plants in Tokyo and other places.
pressurized Air preheter
Fluidized Bed
Incinerator
Metered-dose feeder
Whitesmoke
Flue-gas
prevention
White- heat exchanger treatment
Dust
collector smoke
tower
prevention fan
Image diagram of this technology
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Tunnel repair technologies (NAV method) (Tunnel Research Team)
(NAV method)
Tunnel where cracking occurs due to material
degradation and other factors even though
no large earth pressure is acting on it
NAV method is a repair technology which attaches a newly-developed transparent sheet
with cohesive resin to the cracked surface of lining concrete in order to prevent the
Conventional concrete falling
prevention method
concrete from falling. Because the progress of the cracks can still be seen after the sheet is
installed, it is possible to check the effects of the repair and the need for additional
measures. This technology is an effective means of preventing damage to users caused by
delamination or separation of lining concrete. It has been used for approximately 25,000
m2 of road, railway, subway tunnels and others as of December 2014.
The lining surface is
not visible!
NAV
met
hod
Location where there is risk of
concrete falling due to cracking
Cracking and other details of the lining surface
can be inspected even after the repairs!
Gas-liquid dissolving apparatus (Technology for improving bottom water quality by supplying water
with supersaturated dissolved oxygen) (Water Quality Research Team)
The release of nutrients and metals from sediments as a result of
oxygen-poor coudition in the bottom layer caused by thermodine
Before
sometimes significantly compromises water quality in closed water
body such as reservoirs. Therefore, PWRI developed a novel gas-liquid
dissolving system: creating pure oxygen gas to supply water with
supersaturated dissolved oxygen to the bottom layer at any depth and
increasing Do in order to improve water quality. Because the technology
After
can supply DO across a broad spectrum without destruction of the
thermodine, unlike conventional aeration systems, water quality can be
restored efficiently and effectively. To date, this technology has been
adopted by the Chugoku, Kanto and Shikoku Regional Development
Bureaus for domestic dams and harbor facilities in Tokyo and other
Experimental result at the Haizuka Dam (The darker
the color, the higher the concentration of dissolved
oxygen.)
areas, as well as dams in Jiangsu Province, China.
Installed anchor tensile monitoring system (Aki-Mos)
Gas-liquid dissolving
apparatus (Made of FRP)
(Landslide Research Team)
It is necessary to maintain a certain tensile stress level with ground anchors that are used for
slope stability and to prevent landslides. It is important to know the stress and any changes
to it in order to maintain the anchors properly. But, stress is not measured in many anchors
so it is impossible to evaluate the condition of the anchors and slopes. We therefore
developed continuous monitoring techniques of load for installed anchors, which was
extremely difficult to set load gauges before. These techniques allow a continual series of
measured tensile force load data to be stored, and to be acquired remotely by radio. The
load meters are placed by anchor heads of existing anchors, which could hardly be done in
the past. Using stressing tools, the stress on anchors are transferred to the meters. By
utilizing this technology, it is possible to maintain important anchors for disaster prevention
Installation of the technology
at reasonable costs. 82 systems have been adopted by the Tohoku, Hokuriku and Shikoku
Regional Development Bureaus and NEXCO at 24 construction sites including dams and roads.
Drainage system for the end of concrete bridge girders
(CAESAR)
A rubber or polyethylene gutter-shaped drainage available to insert into the expansion gap
Expansion device
from the side of existing concrete bridges allows preventing salt damage of girders and
substructures due to leakage water contaminated by deicing salt from expansion joints. This
drainage can be easily installed from under the bridges without affecting to traffic flow. The
drainage system has been applied to a highway bridge in Akita Prefecture.
Parapet
Drainage for
the end of girders
Draining to the side of the bridge
Schematic diagram of the drainage
48
15/08/26 8:50
Driving type water level observation device
(Soil Mechanics and Dynamics Research Team)
An observation well is conventionally excavated by boring
(1) Drive a casing
as an observation
well.
to observe underground water levels. This is a simple
observation device that can be driven and installed using a
(2) Insert a rod
into the casing,
drive the edge
and expose the
perforated part.
Weight
Weight
simple penetration machine. Because a simple temporary
scaffold is used to install the device, it can be easily installed
in a short period of time at low cost, thereby enhancing
Rod
Casing
Device
(3) Install a
water-level
gauge.
Casing
Water-level
gauge*3
work safety. Specifically, the device is used for verifying the
effectiveness of river levee flood countermeasures and
Edge corn
earthquake countermeasures, assessing the stability of
Perforated
part
Edge corn
road embankments, and measuring declining water levels
Foundation ground
around underground excavation sites.
Perforated
zone
Water-level
gauge
pressure
receiving
surface
Setting image of the device
This device has been installed in more than 60 places of 15
Photo of the device being
installed
sites including Yonesiro River and Tokushima Expressway.
Cushioning-type guard fence reeving wire rope
(Traffic Engineering Research Team)
This technology consists of wire rope having high
toughness and relatively weak supports and is expected
to drastically reduce major accidents such as fatal one by
absorbing shocks of vehicle collision mainly with
deflection of wire rope. The guard fence consists of
supports 9 cm in diameter reeving wire rope and there is
no difference between the two sides, and thus the width
required for installation is small and the installation cost
can be reduced.
The wire rope-type protective fence
Since this guard fence can be installed and removed
Collision experiment with the large-size car
by humans, it is possible to partially make opening
sections in an emergency to allow car drivers to drive in the opposite lane and complete repair work in a short time.
In the future, it is expected to make safer and smoother transportation by utilizing it for a median strip of a high-standard arterial road
having temporarily two lanes. This guard fence has already been installed on the Hokkaido Expressway (1,600 m from Onuma Interchange
to Mori Interchange), Tenpokutoge of Route 275 (325 m), the Ban-Etsu Experssway (390 m), the Kisei Expressway (128 m), and was installed
on Route 238 (323 m) and the Obihiro-Hiroo Expressway (1,668 m from Churui Interchange to Churuitaiki Interchange) in FY2014.
High-performance SMA
( Road Maintenance Research Team)
High-performance SMA is a new asphalt mixture that has both a
draining pavement texture and stone mastic asphalt (SMA)
superior in durability. Although pavement surface layer is
usually designed, produced and placed so that the physical and
mechanical quality is even in the vertical direction, highperformance SMA has a porous layer near the surface and dense
middle and lower layers. Therefore, as a surface layer of
SMA with durability
Function of porous pavement
pavement, it has sufficient durability (plastic flow resistance,
wear resistance, aggregate scattering resistance, etc.), safety
(drainage
function,
skid
resistance,
glare-proof,
etc.),
Aggregate
Asphalt
Void Mortar
environmental preservation (low noise, etc.) and comfort
Upper layer
With sufficient roughness
(smoothness, etc.) in a balanced manner.
This has been used in about 400 locations, i.e. more than
1,000,000 m , for slopes, urban intersections and pavement
2
repair in tunnels.
One layer placement with
different characteristic
Middle to lower layer
Stable and durable
High-performance SMA
49
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Attachment-type road sweeping device for rotary snowplow (Machinery Technology Research Team)
Since road maintenance- and snow removal-dedicated
cars are operated for only half a year, we developed an
attachment-type road sweeping device for the purpose
of reduction in machinery expenses, focusing on the fact
that rotary snow plows can be utilized throughout the
year.
This device makes costs lower than the conventional
machinery expenses by utilizing rotary snow plows
throughout the year.
This has been introduced into the Sapporo Development
Snow removal by the rotary snowplow
and Construction Department (Takikawa Road Office:
Road surface cleaning by attachment-type road
sweeping device for rotary snowplow
FY2012) and the Asahikawa Development and Construction Department (Asahikawa Road Office: FY2013) of the Hokkaido Regional
Development Bureau, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and used for road maintenance works.
Quality control of embankment with impact acceleration tester
(Geotechnical Research Team)
This Impact Acceleration Tester can control quality of embankments that serve as the
Handle
base for roads in a simple, prompt and inexpensive manner. The quality control method
for embankments that has widely been used requires at least one whole day until the
results are available and sometimes affects the progress of work.
Fall height 40cm
This Impact Acceleration Tester is easy to use and generates results on-site at once to
allow ensure quality control of embankments in a short time. The quality control
technology for embankments using this tester is clearly stated in “Common Specifications
on Road/River Construction Work” issued by the Hokkaido Regional Development
Acceleration
sensor
Diameter
6cm
Bureau, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and has been
applied to many works, especially stability treatment ones.
Impact Acceleration Taster can control quality
Smart shot method
The smart shot method is a reinforcing construction method which
Aramid fiber mesh
installs aramid fiber mesh on a planar structure such as a floor slab, a
wall and a girder and sprays mortar or concrete mixed with short fibers
such as vinylon fiber. This provides a higher strengthening effect by
using aramid fiber mesh instead of metallic mesh and has excellent
Smart shot method
Normal mortar
Vinylon short-fiber
(Materials Research Team)
Construction underway
toughness due to cross-linking effect of vinylon short fiber, and thus
spalling can be prevented. In addition, freeze-thaw resistance is
enhanced by mixing hollow microspheres.
Some of conventional concrete spraying construction methods use
accelerating agent in order to prevent spraying material from flowing
down. In such case, however, spraying material sets quickly so the
Vinylon short-fiber
Aramid fiber mesh
Hollow microspheres
surface cannot be smoothly finished and crack is easy to occur, i.e. causing the problems of aesthetic appearance and spalling. This
construction method has no such problems because set accelerating agent is never used and is able to maintain a reinforcing effect for a
long time without corrosion because the spraying material consists of mortar/concrete and synthetic fibers. So far, this method has been
applied to four sites.
50
15/08/26 8:50
Disaster Restoration Support
Japan has been affected by frequent natural disasters involving earthquakes, torrential rains, sediment disasters and snow
damage, resulting in major human and property losses. PWRI has a system in place for prompt response to the occurrence
of a disaster to survey the actual condition of damages immediately after the disaster, to give technical instruction on
restoration methods for affected civil engineering structures and to provide technical assistance relating to lifesaving
techniques from a sediment disaster.
Immediately following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, at the requests of the central and local governments, we
surveyed the damage to bridges, road embankments and other structures, provided instructions for emergency restoration,
and thus made great contributions to securing the safety of roads, the key of the transport routes for emergency vehicles
and relief supplies. We also sent experts as appropriate to help technically respond to damage induced by river levees and
landslides, as well as damage to dams and sewage treatment plants. Following the debris flow disaster which occurred in
Hiroshima in 2014, we dispatched landslide experts to the site at the request of the national government. Based on the
concept of criteria for determining the termination of search advised by PWRI and the results of on-site investigations for
resuming of search, the timing for resuming the search activities of the prefectural police department, the fire department
and the Japan Self-Defense Forces was decided. In this way, we contributed to securing of the safety for their search
activities.
Fire Department
PWRI
Bridge damage survey
(Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011)
PWRI staff checking for on-site safety during rescue activities by
the Tokyo Fire Department (landslide on Izu Oshima in 2013)
PWRI staff giving technical guidance at the area affected by
earthquake centered in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture
which occurred on November 22, 2014
51
15/08/26 8:50
In response to requests from the national government
and local authorities, PWRI provides technical instruction
to resolve issues relating to civil engineering and cold
regions. We assist in more than 2,000 cases each year, in
the fields of agriculture, fisheries, and harbors. PWRI also
participates in some 1,500 governmental and academic
technical committee meetings every year, supporting
national and regional authorities with technical advice.
We also reflect accumulated findings and research
results in the development and revision of various
technical standards.
Dispatch of Lecturers
PWRI strives to guide and disseminate civil engineering
information. We send lecturers for a wide variety of
courses from training courses for engineers at the
College of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism,
regional development bureaus, the Hokkaido Regional
Development Bureau, local governments, and
universities, to lecture meetings directed toward high
schools, primary and secondary schools, and the general
public.
Lecture meeting for the general public
Business trip class to a primary schoolchild
52
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Other Technical Instruction
PWRI has concluded agreements with local governments for the purpose of civil engineering technical support, training
and developing engineers, and providing disaster support, and we are striving to strengthen our technical support system.
For instance, the Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Region made a statement in 2010 that the institute aims to
become a civil engineering ‘home doctor’ and announced a policy to gear up its technical support to local governments.
In response to this statement, an alliance/cooperation agreement for civil engineering was concluded with Hokkaido,
Sapporo City and Kushiro City, and the institute is engaged in activities with the objectives of improving technical capacity
and training engineers in these regions.
On the internet
Support to the New Technology Information System (NETIS)
Upon requests of regional development bureaus, the PWRI Committee for NETIS examines technical items such as the
safety and economic efficiency of proposed new techniques and replies to the relevant regional development bureau, etc.
as appropriate. We also send our people to the regional development bureaus’ committee for NETIS as its members. In this
way, we are contributing to the usage promotion of new technologies and the enhancement of overall technology
development competencies. Furthermore, we send our people to the NETIS review meetings organized by MLIT as
members and provide a wide range of support to technological issues consulted individually from the regional development
bureaus, etc. concerning the utilization of new technologies. In this way, PWRI is actively involved with the overall operation
of the system.
NETIS evaluation
information
・Safety / Durability
・Quality / Completion
soundness
・Construction efficiency /
Economic efficiency
・Environmental impact
NETIS proposal
information
Posting of evaluation result
Regional Development Bureau, etc. New Technology
Information System (NEIS) Committee
Content: Preliminary examination, trial planning, post evaluation
Composition: Experts from industry, academia and governments, members
sent by PWRI
Evaluation RDB
Person who wishes to
utilize new technology
(XXXX method)
Developed by
Constructed by
Ordered by
New Technology Information
System (NEIS) review meeting (MLIT)
Content: Dissemination
(select recommended technologies)
Analyze usage inhibitors
Extract field needs
Composition: Experts from MLIT,
industry and academia
Director of Construction Technology
Research Department
Evaluation works
PWRI dispatched members
[Hokkaido]
Bridge, slope
[Tohoku]
Dam, civil engineering
Director of Hydraulic Engineering Research Group
[Kanto]
Environment, foundation
Director of Construction Technology Research Department
[Hokuriku]
Sediment control and others
Director of Erosion and Sediment Control Research Group
[Chubu]
Concrete, pavement
Director of Bridges and Structural Technology Research Group
[Kinki]
Road, machinery
Director of Road Technology Research Group
[Chugoku]
Retaining wall, road
Director of Water Environment Research Group
[Shikoku]
Temporary scaffolding
Director of Material and Geotechnical Engineering Research Group
[Kyushu]
Ground treatment and others Research Coordinator for Earthquake Engineering
Director of Cold-Region Construction Engineering Research Group
Chief Researcher (Construction Technology)
Request for
examination
Report of
examination results
Public Works Research Institute Committee for
New Technology Information System (NTIS)
Content: Examine validity of technology, etc.
Members: Chief Executive as Chairman and executive group heads
For a highly difficult technology
・Organize an expert review meeting that includes outside experts.
・Also participate in trial plans and ex-post evaluations.
Hokkaido
Road, river,
dam, sediment,
etc.
Disaster support in disaster
emergency
Technical instruction/
cooperation
Technology enhancement,
development of engineers
Technical instruction to
municipal governments
Survey research, technology
development
Dissemination of research
results, etc.
Communication
for coordination
Acting Chief Executive Kawamura (right) and Director Miyaki (left)
of the Construction Bureau of Hokkaido shaking hands
Construction
Bureau
Contact, communicate and
coordination cooperation
matters
Research groups
(Research teams)
Deputy Director for
Research Coordination
Planning Division
Cold Region Technology
Promotion Division
Efficient and effective development and maintenance/management of infrastructure
Promotion of development of Hokkaido
Conceptual view of alliance
53
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Dissemination of Research Findings
Publications of the Public Works Research Institute
Research results of PWRI are published and/or posted on the internet as: Reports of PWRI, PWRI
Materials, Joint Research Reports, Monthly Reports of the Civil Engineering Research Institute for
Cold Region, etc.
Publications by Corporation
PWRI has published the below books under copyright law. These books are available at bookstores.
Book title
Publisher
Eco-cement Concrete Utilization Technology Manual
Manual on the Application of Nondestructive Testing for Soundness
Diagnosis of Concrete Civil Engineering Structures
Countermeasure Manual of Ground Contamination for Construction
Sites (provisional edition)
Gihodo Shuppan
Price
excluding tax
JPY 2,000
Gihodo Shuppan
JPY 4,400
Kajima Publishing
JPY 2,300
Public Works
Research Center
JPY 1,905
Gihodo Shuppan
JPY 6,400
Taisei Shuppan
JPY 1,900
Surplus Soil Utilization Technique Manual (Third Edition)
Collection of Physical and Chemical Information Regarding Human
Use Pharmaceuticals
Manual on Recycling of Construction Scrap Lumber (Draft)
Countermeasure Manual of Dioxin Contaminated Soil for
Construction Sites (provisional edition)
Manual of Simple Measurement Methods for Dioxins in Soil
Manual of Application Technology of Other Industries Recycled
Material in Construction Works
ALiCC Method Manual for Ground Improvement
Utilization Technique Manual for Liquefied Stabilized Soil
Manual for Recycling Construction Sludge
Maintenance Manual for Ground Anchors
Soil-based Pavement Handbook (for Pedestrian Pavement)
Manual for Landslide Measurements with Insertion Borehole
Inclinometer
Manual for Inspection of Concrete Structures by Nondestructive/
Micro-destructive Tests
Surplus Soil Utilization Technique Manual (Fourth Edition)
Practical Guide to Water Drainage Boring for Preventing Landslides
Kajima Publishing
JPY 2,200
Kajima Publishing
JPY 1,900
Taisei Shuppan
JPY 3,900
Kajima Publishing
Gihodo Shuppan
Taisei Shuppan
Kajima Publishing
Taisei Shuppan
JPY 1,900
JPY 3,000
JPY 5,000
JPY 3,000
JPY 2,000
Rikohtosho
JPY 3,200
Taisei Shuppan
JPY 3,400
Public Works
Research Center
Kajima Publishing
JPY 2,000
JPY 3,400
Application in Standards
Research findings are reflected in new and revised standards for infrastructure.
■River Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
・Preliminary Technical Guidelines for Landslide Investigation and Its Remedies
for Reservoirs
・Guidelines for Seismic Safety Evaluation of Dams for Large Earthquakes (Draft)
■Road Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
・Highway Bridge Specifications and Instruction Manual
■Ministry of the Environment
・Guidelines for Applying for Offshore Disposal of Waste
・Guidelines for Topographical Changes to Final Disposal Sites
■Related Organizations
・Standard Specifications for Concrete Structures etc. Japan Society of Civil Engineers
・Engineering Bedrock Classification Method, etc. Japanese Geotechnical Society
・Guidelines and Commentary on Earthquake Proofing Sewage Treatment Facilities, etc. Japan Sewage Works Association
・River Earthwork Manual etc. Japan Institute of Construction Engineering
・Manual of Design and Construction of Reinforced Earth Using Geotextiles, etc. Public Works Research Center
・Manual of Design and Construction of High-Standard Embankments Foundation for Riverfront Improvement and Restoration
・Electronic Delivery Methods for Geological and Soil Research Findings Japan Construction Information Center
Presentation of Papers
PWRI publishes approximately 1,500 papers each year, including the presentation of papers at international conferences and
academic meetings, and the submission of papers for publication in collections and specialist journals. We aim to present highquality findings, with more than 300 of these papers undergoing peer review before publication.
54
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PWRI New Technology
Showcase
The “PWRI new technology showcase” is a seminar event
for explaining new technologies developed in joint
projects, exhibiting panels and models in another room
and responding any technical consultation for
application to actual sites. The showcase is held every
year in Tokyo and a few other cities including Sapporo to
promote new technologies.
PWRI New Technology Seminar /
On-site Seminar
The PWRI New Technology Seminar gives lectures on
selected technologies for cost reduction, time shortening
or other application effectiveness so as to address current
detailed technical trends in the respective areas as may be
required for application at sites, etc. The seminar is held
every year in Tokyo.
The On-site Tour is held on as many occasions as practical
in the field where PWRI developed technology is being
actually applied to ensure that the participants can actually
see with their eyes, understand application methods and
benefits.
Lecture being delivered
Scene of on-site tour (1)
Developmental
Technology Seminar
PWRI holds briefing sessions on development
technologies regarding subjects which are of
interest to engineers in snowy cold regions
by actively calling on related institutions in
order to promote the utilization of new
technologies researched and developed in
snowy cold regions on sites of public works.
On-site Seminar
On-site seminars are cosponsored in various
areas of Hokkaido by the Civil Engineering
Research Institute for Cold Region and
the Hokkaido Regional Development
Bureau because survey methods and
countermeasures in snowy cold regions are
effectively utilized at sites and such seminars
contribute to the promotion of development
in Hokkaido.
Scene of on-site tour (２)
Exhibition/Technical
consultation corner
Lecture being delivered
Scene of on-site tour (３)
55
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Open House
The PWRI utilizes a variety of opportunities to inform the general public of its research
programs and civil engineering in general during Science and Technology Week, and on
Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Day (July 16) and on Civil Engineering Day
(November 18). During open house events, professionals and students from other institutes,
universities and vocational colleges, as well as lay people, including children, come to get
a glimpse of what PWRI is doing as a research institute.
Beside open house settings, the PWRI also offers tours of its facilities if applications are
made in advance.
stitute
Public Works Research In
In order to encourage the general public
to learn about civil engineering research,
the PWRI has open house every year on
Civil Engineering Day, which is in midNovember. During this event, participants
ride shuttle buses that travel loop routes
to the various experimental facilities,
Display of removed bridge members
where they can learn a little about the
experiments and how the results are
used. They can also see actual experiments
done with models. The PWRI also holds
hands-on workshops where participants
can become more familiar with civil
engineering, and “bridge contest” where
contestants
cardboard.
56
make
bridges
out
of
Trying to make concrete
15/08/26 8:50
rch
Civil Engineering Resea
The Open House of the Civil Engineering
Research Institute for Cold Region has
been held in July around Land,
Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Day every year since 1983 so that the
general public and children may get to
know about the role of the Institute and
research topics and results we are
Model experiment of snowstorm
working on.
Every year, each team sets a theme and displays elaborate exhibitions in line with a
theme. Furthermore, a quiz rally is held. We make efforts to introduce our research in
enjoyable, playful and interactive settings.
Recently, the Institute has provided a special activity for professional civil engineers
in addition to activities for the general public.
h Center
rc
Aqua Restoration Resea
The Aqua Restoration Research Center
(Kakamigahara City, Gifu Prefecture) offers
facility tours (advance reservation required)
aimed at introducing technologies related
to the river environment conservation and
restoration activities in ARRC and at
achieving a broader understanding of its
research results. These facility tours
consist of guided tours which are aimed
Tour of the test river for engineers
at improving technical knowledge primarily for river engineers, and guided walks
where individuals can tour the test river using video and voice guidance from a
portable terminal. The tour contents can be broadly adapted to suit the purpose of
the tour visitors.
57
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International Contribution
Collaboration with International
Organizations
PWRI actively promotes research and practical on-site activities in collaboration
with international research institutes in Asian and other countries.
For example, the International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk Management
(ICHARM) concluded a partnership agreement with the Asian Development Bank
(ADB) in November 2009, conducted “Technical Assistance of Investment in
Water Hazard Management (TA7276)” in Indonesia and Bangladesh until the end
of March 2013, in which it introduced the Integrated Flood Analysis System (IFAS)
and prepared a basic policy for building a flood forecasting and warning system.
ICHARM also carried out “Strategic Strengthening of Flood Forecasting/Warning
and Management Capacity in Pakistan” managed by UNESCO, in which it
developed and introduced a flood forecasting and warning system utilizing IFAS
and implemented training for government officials.
ICHARM has been in charge of strengthening urban flood management capacity
in ADB’s project for Myanmar, “Transformation of Urban Management (TA8456MYA)” since July 2014, implementing training for government officials and
conducting assessment of flood and storm surge risks. In addition, ICHARM has
been serving as the secretariat of “the International Flood Initiative (IFI)”, a
framework to promote collaboration in flood management among international
organizations such as UNESCO, WMO, UNU, and UNISDR.
PWRI will plan and implement various activities in collaboration with funding
organizations such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the
World Bank.
H.E. Mrs. Irina Bokova, Director General
of UNESCO (right) visited ICHARM
Meeting with Pakistan government
officials and UNESCO survey group
Sweden
Russia
Britain
Holland
Germany
France
Romania
Sapporo
Korea
China
Tsukuba
Iran
Taiwan
Myanmar
Thailand
Philippines
Malaysia
Indonesia
Country with international research partners
Country where JICA has sent PWRI experts
58
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Human Resource
Development
Over the past five years, PWRI has received 1887 trainees in the civil engineering
field from 114 countries in Asia, Africa and Central & South America. We also strive
to train and develop human resources across the world in civil engineering
technology by dispatching many lecturers for civil engineering professional training
courses on rivers and dams, road administration, bridge technology, measures
against sediment disaster, disaster prevention, etc. These training courses are
sponsored by JICA and targeted at engineers from developing countries.
Meanwhile, in collaboration with the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies
(GRIPS) and JICA, ICHARM has since 2007 been implementing a 1-year Master’s
Degree Program entitled Water-related Risk Management Course of the Disaster
Management Policy Program, as well as a Doctoral Course in the Science of Disaster
Prevention Program since 2010.
Oceania　51/11
Middle East
84/8
North America　7/1
Europe
186/17
Central and
South America
206/21
Number of
foreign trainees
People / Country
1887/11
2010 ‒ 2014
Asia
1038/21
Africa
315/35
Record of foreign trainees welcomed by PWRI
Overseas Technical
Support
At the requests of the JICA and the government, academic conferences,
and overseas research institutions, PWRI sends employees (2014:90)
abroad and actively provides PWRI’s findings and research results to the
international community.
As a specific example of technical assistance, when a natural dam failed in
Ambon Island, Indonesia, in July 2013, water level information from “ PWRI
airdropped water-level monitoring buoys" which had been placed there
by PWRI in February 2013 was utilized for evacuation of residents and
damages were minimized. After the failure of the natural dam, PWRI
participated in the government fact-finding mission, checked on damages
and advised emergency recovery measures, etc.
Buoy
Cage
The setting situation of the buoy
Cage
PWRI airdropped water-level monitoring buoys
were placed in a natural dam in Ambon Island,
Indonesia (February 2013).
Sapporo
USA
ea
Tsukuba
s
Chile
59
15/08/26 8:50
Tsukuba Central Research Institute, International Centre for
Water Hazard and Risk Management, and Center for Advanced
Engineering Structural Assessment and Research,
Innovative Materials Resources Research Center
Land and Buildings
As of 1 April 2015
Facility name
Land
337,349
Headquarters (Tsukuba)
Building Total floor
area
space
39,185
49,485
10,031
Snow Avalanche and Landslide Research Center (Niigata)
1,422
Land
2,656
18,511
65
65
Aqua Restoration Research Center (Gifu)
164,554
597
597
Total
530,445
41,269
52,803
Asagiri Environmental Material Observation Station (Shizuoka)
Building
National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management,
922,340
MLIT (Asahi Office)
Total (Tsukuba Area)
1,259,689
The Public Works Research Institute (PWRI), which
was part of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and
Transport, has recently been relaunched as an
independent administrative institution. However,
PWRI also carries out experiments using the
facilities of National Institute for Land and
Infrastructure Management.
Unit: m2. Values are rounded off to the nearest whole number.
E－15
Pavement road surface noise
research laboratory
Current meter calibration
channel
Hydraulics laboratory annex
Hydraulics laboratory
E－13
Greenery test field
Greenhouse
Geological investigation Recycle pavement material
test field
accelerated durability test facility
J－1
F－９
Tohigashi Laboratory
E－1
Groundwater
hydrology
laboratory
E－3
E－5
E－2
E－4
River hydrau
Refluxa flow Sanitary engineering
channel
laboratory
Hydraulics laboratory
F－7
Mist environment
Skid resistance test field
F－６
Shinkotsu
ITS Center building
F－8
Nishi Oodori Ave. (R408)
F－５
Pavement test field
I－1
F－10
Construction materials
research center
Tunnel laboratory
Garage for field testing
devices
F－３
Hydrological
observation field
F－４
F－２
Earth works test field
Experimental river C
Experimental river B
Experimental river A
Meandering zone
(Downstream)
Lagoon zone
Floodplain
zone
Natural
Meandering zone
environment
(Upstream)
regeneration zone
60
F
15/08/26 8:50
TSUKUBA CITY
3D large-scale shaking table
Tunnel lining loading test
30 MN large-scale universal
test machine
E－9
River model test
yard
PA building
Observatory
oundwater
drology
boratory
Structural dynamics laboratory
Torrent
Vibration
laboratory
E－14 channel
mode test
field
Wave
channels
E－10
D－3
－2
E－12
E－4
Archive
D－2
D－7
Structural engineering laboratory
Sanitary engineering
and hydrology
Hydraulics
laboratory
laboratory
Full-scale test tunnel
G －1
A－5
e. (R408)
Structural aerodynamics laboratory
D－4
D－1
F－1 Test track
F－8
Atmospheric diffusion laboratory
D－5
E－7
River hydraulics laboratory Coastal hydraulics laboratory
aulics laboratory
F－7
G－5
River environment
laboratory
Earthquake engineering laboratory
D－8
D－6
E－6
E－5
Wheel running machine
Construction material
laboratory
Storage for removed materials for
clinical research
Wastewater
treatment plant
A－2－1
Traffic sign
laboratory
C－4 Traffic collision
test field
C- Noise control
laboratory
A－2－2
A－3
Micropollutant
Material and structural
analysis
engineering laboratory
laboratory
complex
A－1
Annex (7F/8F)
Security
Security gate
gate
Front gate
Main research
building
International Centre for Water Hazard and
Risk Management
Mechanized construction laboratory
A－0
A－4
Center for Advanced Engineering Structural Assessment and Research
・Innovative Materials and Resources Research Center
B－2
Foundation engineering laboratory
B－1
Seepage laboratory
Snow Avalanche and Landslide Research
Center
Construction machine test field
C－3 Strong motion earthquake observation station
Earth structure laboratory
B－4
Landslide model test laboratory
G－3
B－6
B－3
B－9
B－5
Earth works laboratory
Geological engineering laboratory
B－7 B－8
Underwater
environmental test pit
Facility for compacting snow and measuring
slipperiness
Dynamic geotechnical
centrifuge laboratory
B－10
Construction environment
laboratory
Hanger
Storage for samples
Low-temperature
testing facility
Office
Office
Large-scale lab for
testing landslide
Newton’s apple tree
Earth structure laboratory
Weather observation
equipment
Storage
Storage
City road
Urban Area of Myoko City
Large-scale Geotechnical Dynamic Centrifuge
61
15/08/26 8:50
Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Region
(Sapporo City)
Facilities
Large dynamic triaxial
compression test bench
Wave basin
Centrifuge
High-speed hydraulic channel
Irregular oscillatory water tunnel
Bibi Concrete Exposure Site (Tomakomai City)
Cold-Region Test Track in Tomakomai (Tomakomaii City)
Construction Test Field in Tomakomai
Construction Test Field in Tomakomai
62
Cold-Region Test Track in Tomakomai
15/08/26 8:50
SAPPORO CITY
Rumoi Concrete Exposure Test Site
(Mashike Town)
Ishikari Experiment Site (Ishikari City)
Facilities
Rockbed crack generator
Wind tunnel experimental apparatus
Kakuyama Experiment Site (Ebetsu City)
63
15/08/26 8:50
Lease System of
Facilities
■ Please contact:
Public Works Research Institute　http://www.pwri.go.jp/
Facilities Management and Research Information Division: Telephone +81 29-879-6754
Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Region　http://www.ceri.go.jp/
Planning Division: Telephone +81 11-841-1636
PWRI leases test facilities and equipment in its possession to national institutions, local governments, universities, public-interest corporations and private research organizations as a rule. There are special civil
engineering test machines that are expensive or difficult to maintain properly. Some of the lease-signers
are from fields other than civil engineering.
Example of lease
Civil engineering-related experimental research
Experiment using a wheel
running machine
Channel to generate waves and
reproduce the phenomena in 2D
Experiment using a 3D
large-scale shaking table
Cold-Region Test Track in Tomakomai
Other experiments
Other facilities for lease
Dam hydraulics laboratory
30 MN large-scale universal testing machine
Pavement test field
Earthquake engineering laboratory
Current meter calibration channel
Tsukuba
Earth Structure Laboratory
Differential settlement
Earthwork experimental laboratory
Large-scale Geotechnical Dynamic Centrifuge
High speed hydraulic channel
Wave basin
Spike raveling testing machine
Ion chromatography
Gas chromatography
Large dynamic triaxial compression test apparatus
Indoor icy road driving test machine
Impact acceleration tester
Other civil engineering facilities
Large-scale box shear test apparatus
■ Please check our homepage for application procedures, forms and regulations.
Check our homepage
64
Application
Receipt
Approval
Agreement
Lease
15/08/26 8:50
History of PWRI
May 1921 Established as the Road Materials Testing Department in the Ministry of
Internal Affairs.
Sep. 1922 Reorganized as the Civil Engineering Laboratory in Komagome, Tokyo.
Apr. 1926 Set up the Akabane Branch Office in Tokyo.
Dec. 1947 Dissolution of the Ministry of Internal Affairs
Jan. 1948 Renamed as the First Technical Research Institute of the Construction
Bureau, Prime Minister’s Office.
July 1948 R e n a m e d a s t h e P u b l i c W o r k s R e s e a r c h I n s t i t u t e , M i n i s t r y o f
Construction.
July 1949 Merged with the Engineering Staff Training Center of the Ministry of
Transportation in Numazu City.
Apr. 1952 Established the Shinozaki Branch Office as a hydraulics research facility
for rivers and dams in Tokyo.
July 1953 Renamed the Engineering Staff Training Center as the Numazu Branch
Apr. 1958 Launch of the department system
Apr. 1960 Established the Chiba Branch in Chiba and integrated the Numazu
Branch into it.
Apr. 1960 Established the Niigata Laboratory for Landslide Experiments.
Apr. 1961 Established the Kashima Hydraulics Laboratory.
May 1962 Renamed the Niigata Laboratory for Landslide Experiments as the
Niigata Experimental Laboratory.
Sep. 1963 Approval by the Cabinet of construction of the Science City in the
Tsukuba area
June 1967 Renamed the Akabane Branch Office as “Akabane Branch,” the
Shinozaki Branch Office as “Shinozaki Laboratory,” and the Kashima
Hydraulics Laboratory as “the Kashima Laboratory.”
Mar. 1979 Relocated all the facilities to the new Tsukuba Science City.
Apr. 1991 Established the Construction Management Engineering Center.
Apr. 1993 Established the Environment Department.
May 1996 Established the Earthquake Disaster Prevention Research Center.
Apr. 1997 Renamed the Construction Management Engineering Center as the
Research Center for Public Works Management.
Jan. 2001 Renamed as the Public Works Research Institute of the Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure and Transport.
Apr. 2001 Established the Independent Administrative Agency Public Works
Research Institute, due to restructuring of the government ministries
and agencies.
Some departments were integrated into the National Institute for Land
and Infrastructure Management. The Niigata Experimental Laboratory
and the Aqua Restoration Research Center remained with PWRI.
Founded as the Testing Laboratory of the Civil Engineering Department,
Hokkaido Agency.
Sep. 1947 Became independent as the Hokkaido Civil Engineering Institute.
Aug. 1937
Established six divisions (River and Port Engineering, Road, Structure,
Dam, Geology and Machinery).
Attached to the newly established Hokkaido Development Bureau and
July 1951
renamed as the Civil Engineering Research Institute.
July 1950
Apr. 1959
Established three divisions (Applied Science, Soil Conservation and
Special Soil Development).
Dam Division was renamed as the Geotechnical Division, and the
Machinery Division was closed.
Apr. 1962
River and Port Engineering Division was divided into two divisions:
River Engineering and Port and Harbor Engineering.
Apr. 1964 Established the Concrete Division.
Apr. 1966 Established the Pavement Division.
Apr. 1968
May 1972
Apr. 1978
Apr. 1979
Established the Foundation Work Division.
System of three Directors changed to system of four Directors.
Established the General Affairs Department.
Established the Fisheries Engineering Division.
Special Soil Development Division was reorganized into Agricultural
Engineering Division.
Established various research programs (Joint Research, Commissioned
May 1985 Research, Admission of Temporary Researchers and Specially Assigned
Trainees).
Apr. 1986 Established the position of Research Coordinator.
Apr. 1988 Reorganized the entire body.
Apr. 1985
Apr. 1995
Renamed the Hydraulic Engineering Department as the Environment
and Hydraulic Engineering Department.
Apr. 2001
Renamed as the Independent Administrative Institution the Civil
Engineering Research Institute of Hokkaido.
Apr. 2003 Established the position of Director for Special Research.
Apr. 2004 Established a task force on setting up a center for UNESCO.
Apr. 2005 Reorganized the Niigata Experimental Laboratory as the Snow
Avalanche and Landslide Research Center.
Mar. 2006 Established the International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk
Management.
The Independent Administrative Agency Public Works Research
Institute Law was amended.
Apr. 1, 2006 Integrated as the Incorporated Administrative Agency Public Works Research Institute, not directly
belonging to the ministry
Apr. 2006
The Incorporated Administrative Agency Public Works Research Institute was reorganized into the General Affairs Department, the Planning and
Research Administration Department, the Tsukuba Central Research Institute, the Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Region, and the
International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk Management.
Apr. 2008
Established the Center for Advanced Engineering Structural Assessment and Research.
Established the Cold Region Technology Promotion Division (includes Northern Hokkaido and Eastern Hokkaido Branch Office) and Machinery
Technology Research Team under the Director for Cold Region Technology Development Coordination.
Apr. 1, 2015 Transformed into the National Research and Development Agency Public Works Research Institute
Apr. 2015
Established the Innovative Materials and Resources Research Center.
65
15/08/26 8:50
Map and Access to PWRI (Tsukuba)
Ginan I.C.
Building Research Institute
National Research Institute for
Earth Science and Disaster Prevention
Public Works Research
Institute (Tsukuba Central
Research Institute)
Tsuchiura Kita I.C.
National Institute for Land and
Infrastructure Management
Shibasaki
University
of Tsukuba
Geographical
Survey Institute
ka Dori
Hiratsu
Nishihiratsuka
gakuen
hiura
sen
Tsuc
i- O
Tsukuba
Station
ri
do
ri
(TX
)
Gakuen Higashi
Tsukuba
Center
Gakuen Nishi
Lin
e
To Mito
Tsukuba Botanical Garden
ash
Hig
do
O
hi-
Nis
Tsuku
ba
Exp
res
s
National Science Museum
University of
Tsukuba Hospital
Kenkyugakuen Station
To Mito
Sakuragawa River
Minami Odori Higashi
JR Tsuchiura
Sta.
Minami Odori Nishi
Tsukuba Center, Inc.
National Institute of
Advanced Industrial
Science and Technology
Tsukuba
Chuo I.C.
e
JR
Jo
ba
n
Science Odori
Sakura-Tsuchiura
I.C.
Lin
Banpaku-Kinen
Koen St.
Sasage
Tsukuba
JCT
Midorino St.
Yatabe I.C.
Train
Arakawaoki Sta.
Industrial Science and
Technology Organization
Tsukubausiku I.C.
Japan Iternational
Cooperation Agency (JICA)
KenkyuGakuen Sta.
Tsukuba Express Line (about 50 minutes by semi-rapid)
Akihabara Sta.
Tsuku-bus bound for Teragu
(about 25minutes)
Tsukuba Express Line (about 45 minutes by rapid) Tsukuba Sta.
JR Joban Line (about 60 minutes)
Ueno Sta.
Highway
Bus
Tokyo Sta.
Car
Tokyo
Kantetsu Bus bound for University of Tsukuba
(about 25 minutes)
Hitachinoushiku Sta.
Arakawaoki Sta. (West Exit)
(about 25 minutes)
Tsuchiura Sta.
(West Exit Bus Terminal 2)
(about 25 minutes)
Tsukuba Sta.
(Tsukuba
Center)
Kantetsu Bus, Gate No. 5
bound for Shimotsuma Sta.
or
Kenchiku Kenkyusho
/Building Research Institute
(about 25 minutes)
Doboku
Kenkyusho
Mae
(PWRI)
At Tokyo Station, go to bus gate No. 5 Yaesu South exit.
Take Tokkyu (express) Tsukuba-Go bound for Tsukuba Center or University of Tsukuba (about 70 minutes).
Shuto Kosoku
(Metropolitan Expressway)
Misato I.C.
Joban Expressway (about 30 minutes)
Yatabe I.C. or Sakura-Tsuchiura I.C.
Suitable route (about 20 minutes)
Public Works Research Institute (Tsukuba Central Research Institute) 1-6 Minamihara, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki-ken 305-8516 Phone: +81 29-879-6700
To Niigata and Toyama
To Joetsu
To Gifu City
Ginan I.C.
GifuKakamigahara I.C.
Miyake
Signbord
Komeno
ay
JR Tokaido Line
Meitetsu Nagoya Line
T
y
sswa
xpre
ku E
kuri
Ho
okai
pres
sw
Kitahasen
Kiso River
Kita-arai Sta.
tsu E
x
Aqua Restoration
Research Center
in-e
Kasamatsu
Sta.
Josh
To minokamo City
Echigo-Tokimeki Line
To Ogaki City
Joetsutakada I.C.
Kawashima P.A.
Kiso River
Arai P.A.
Smart I.C.
Michino-eki
Arai
Arai Sta.
Minamihasen
Twin Arch 138
Myoko City Hall
Yashiro River
Ichinomiya Kisogawa I.C.
Nishijima 5
Owari
Ichinomiya Sta.
Snow Avalanche and Landslide
Research Center
Ichinomiya I.C.
Meishin Expressway
Ichinomiya JCT
To Nagoya City
Nakago I.C.
To Nagano
Kan-yuchi-mubanchi Kawashimakasada-machi, Kakamigahara-shi, Gifu-ken 501-6021
Phone: +81 586-89-6036
2-6-8 Nishiki-cho, Myoko-shi, Niigata-ken 944-0051
Phone: +81 255-72-4131
[Train]
Take the Meitetsu Nagoya Line either from Shin Nagoya Station or Shin Gifu Station.
Get off at Kasamatsu Station. From the Kasamatsu Station, 10 minutes taxi ride (taxi is the
only means of transportation).
[Train]
・Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tokyo-JoetsuMyoko) About 2 hours
Echigo-Tokimeki Line (JoetsuMyoko-Arai) About 10 minutes
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . About 2 hours and 10 minutes
・Niigata-Naoetsu-Arai.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . About 2 hours and 30 minutes
[Car]
・From Joetsutakada I.C. on Joetsu Expressway . . About 8 km 15 minutes
From Nakago I.C. on Joetsu Expressway . . . . . . . . . . About 4 km 10 minutes
From Arai Sta. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . About 2 km 5 minutes
[Car]
The ARRC is 10 minutes drive from Gifu Kakamigahara I.C. on the Tokai Hokuriku
Expressway.
Use the west parking area of the Water Eco Park. The ARRC is also within walking distance
from the Kawashima P.A. on the Tokai Hokuriku Expressway.
66
15/08/26 8:50
Access to Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Region
Shinkawa
I.C.
Fushiko I.C.
Sapporo-Kita I.C.
Hassamu
Chuo Sta.
Hachiken St.
Sapporo
Nishi I.C.
Kotoni Sta.
Hokkaido
University
Hokkaido
Government
er
Riv
ira
h
yo
To
CERI
te
Lin
Kitago I.C.
e
Shinrinkoen
Sta
Heiwa Sta.
Atsubetsu Sta.
JR
Oyachi I.C.
CERI
Toho
Line
Horohira Bashi
da
Shiroishi Sta.
Hokkai Gakuen
University
Nakajima Park
Nakajima Koen
ko
City Hall
Tozai Line
Susukino
Oasa Sta.
Ha
ne
Sapporo
Namboku Line
JR
Soen Sta.
Li
Sapporo Station
Sapporo JCT
Naebo Sta.
Sapporo Sta.
Odori
Ebetsu
I.C.
Hokkaido
Expressway
da
te
Sasson
Expressway
Kariki
I.C.
Ha
ko
Hassamu Sta.
JR
Teine I.C.
Okadama Airport
JR
Li n Gaku
e
en
Shin Kotoni St.
tos
hi
Inazumi Koen Sta.
Ch
itos
eL
ine
Shin Sapporo Sta.
d
Sapporo
Minami I.C.
Sapporo University
Nakanoshima
Station
Kaminopporo
Sta.
Access
CERI is located on the eastern side of the Toyohira River that goes through the center of Sapporo City, in an area called Hiragishi in Toyohira-ku. The
institute is about 200 meters north of, or 3 minutes walk from, the Nakanoshima Station on the Namboku Line of the Sapporo City Subway System.
Rapid train
(about 36 minutes)
Train
JR Sapporo Sta.
Change trans
(about 5
minutes)
About 10 minutes
Sapporo Sta. on
Namboku Line
Highway
Bus
New Chitose
Airport
Car
Nakanoshima Sta.
About 3
on Namboku Line minutes walk
Highway Bus (about 60 minutes)
Suitable route
(about 10 minutes)
Hokkaido Expressway
(about 25 minutes)
Chitose I.C.
Civil
Engineering
Research
Institute for
Cold Region
Suitable route
(about 20 minutes)
Kitago I.C.
Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Region 3-1-34 Hiragishi Ichijo, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo-shi 062-8602 Phone: +81 11-841-1624
Northern Hokkaido Branch Office
Nijo dori
Midoribashi dori
Sanjo dori
Eiryubashi dori
Yojo dori
Kus
hiro
39
Nothern Hokkaido
Branch Office
Ichijo dori
Showa dori
Asahikawa Station
Eastern Hokkaido Branch Office
Sta
tion
JR N
em
uro
Kita odori
Hokkaido Kushiro Area
Police Headquarters
Line
Eastern Hokkaido
Branch Office
Joint Government
Building
Kushiro City hall
JR Soya Line
Asahikawa Midoribashi-dori Daiichiseimei
Building 9-50-3 Ichijo-dori, Asahikawa-shi
Hokkaido 070-0031
Phone: +81 166-72-6001
Facsimile: +81 166-22-3747
o Belt
Kushir
Line
udo
o Kok
Kushir
Daidoseimei Kushiro Building
10-1-6 Suehiro-cho, Kushiro-shi
Hokkaido 085-0014
Phone: +81 154-25-6777
Facsimile: +81 154-25-6787
67
15/08/26 8:50
International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk
Management
Assessment and Research
Innovative Material and Resource Research Center
1-6 Minamihara, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki-ken 305-8516
Phone: +81 29-879-6700
http://www.pwri.go.jp/eindex.html
e-mail：[email protected]
Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold
Region
3-1-34 Hiragishi Ichijo, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido
062-8602
Phone: +81 11-841-1624
http://www.ceri.go.jp/english/index.html
e-mail：[email protected]
Recycled paper
土木研究所要覧2015-英.indd
68 1
土木研究所要覧2015-英_表紙.indd
15/08/26 8:50

Public Works Research Institute

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