Research
１．Seismic safety of high-rise buildings against long period ground motions
Figure 1. Long period ground motion generated by Nankai Trough Earthquake
Nankai Trough Earthquake with magnitude 9 likely to occur by the middle of the 21st century. It could lead to serious damage to important structures in urban cities. In particular, the structures with long natural period such as base isolation buildings, high-rise buildings, long-span bridges and oil tanks have the property of resonance by long-period ground motions.
Therefore, this research aims to develop the technology to improve seismic performance of high-rise buildings against long-period ground motions.
２．Experiment and analysis of earthquake and tsunami safety of buildings
Figure 2. Development of earthquake response analysis program STERA3D
There is a need to improve earthquake resistance of buildings to prepare for the future Nankai Trough Earthquake with magnitude 9.
This research conducts monitoring and strong motion observation of buildings to clarify the actual phenomena. Also based on precise seismic response analysis method, safety and function of buildings to the massive earthquake and tsunami are quantified.
３．Promotion of international cooperation for earthquake disaster mitigation
 Photo 1. Research cooperation in Romania (2002) |
 Photo 2. International Conference in China (2008) |
Earthquake disaster mitigation is a global challenge. Japan must take the leadership and work together with other countries. We will promote technical cooperation and organize international conferences for this purpose.
４．Development of a seismic repir method of Gymnasiums
Photo 3. Research cooperation in Romania
Gymnasiums are often used as evacuation facilities, and ensuring their seismic performance is an important issue. However, the problems are that (1) there are no clear criteria to determine whether or not they can be used continuously and (2) repair methods with the restoration performance have not been established. As a result, cases have been reported in which gymnasiums, which are evacuation facilities, have become unusable. On the other hand, there is a possibility that gymnasiums can continue to be used after earthquakes due to seismic repairs. This study focuses on evaluating the residual strength and developing seismic repairs by structural experiments.