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Address by Mr. Kotaro Hashimoto in the Opening Ceremony |
The 29th Joint Meeting of the Panel on Wind and Seismic Effects was held during May 13-16, 1997 at the Public Works Research Institute (PWRI), Tsukuba, Japan. The Panel on Wind and Seismic Effects is one of the 18 Panels in the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Program in Natural Resources (UJNR). The Panel was established in 1969.
The 29th Joint Meeting started with the Opening Ceremony in the morning of May 13. Addresses were received from Mr. Kotaro Hashimoto, Vice-Minister of Construction for Engineering Affairs of the Ministry of Construction; Dr. Richard N. Wright, U.S.-side Chair, Director of the Building and Fire Research Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); and Mr. Seizo Tsuji, Japan-side Chair, Director-General of PWRI. Sixteen U.S. delegates and 46 Japanese participants took part in the Meeting.
The Opening Ceremony was followed by technical presentations. Presentations and discussions were on five technical themes: 1) Wind Engineering, 2) Earthquake Engineering, 3) Storm Surge and Tsunamis, 4) Summary of Joint Cooperative Research Programs, and 5) Seismic Information Systems. Fifty three papers (28 U.S. and 25 Japanese papers) were authored of which 35 were presented orally. These covered a wide range of technical fields including analytical and experimental research results on wind engineering; seismic design of bridges, dams and buildings; disaster prevention information systems and risk assessment using GIS; and research in public health following natural disasters. Information was exchanged about extensive U.S. and Japanese public works projects, civil engineering research, and their applications into practice. There is active Cooperative Research in three programs: Composite and hybrid structures, Soil liquefaction and countermeasures, and smart materials.
Five Task Committee Workshops were held after the 28th Joint Meeting (May, 1996) under the auspices of the Panel and seven Workshops/Committee Meeting were planned for the coming year. There was Panel approval to plan a new T/C on Seismic Information Systems.
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Address by Mr. Kotaro Hashimoto in the Opening Ceremony |
The symposium was held on September 17-19, 1997 in Kobe City, which is rapidly being rebuilt from the 1995 Hyogo-ken Nanbu (Kobe) Earthquake, with the attendance of Mr. Hisaoki Kamei, the Minister of State for the National Land Agency (NLA) and Mr. James Lee Witt, the Director of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Thirty-seven Japan-side participants represented 18 national organizations including Ministry of Construction, local bodies and universities. Twenty-one U.S.-side participants were from 10 organizations including NIST, USGS, NSF, local bodies and the private sector.
The symposium was an important program in the initiative on "natural and man-made disaster-reduction" of the "U.S.-Japan Common Agenda for Cooperation in Global Perspective" and was supported by the UJNR Panels on: Wind and Seismic Effects, Earthquake Research, and Fire Safety and Research. Under the co-chairmanship of NLA and FEMA, vigorous discussions were held to develop common programs for disaster prevention, emergency disaster response and disaster-recovery/ reconstruction, and to exchange information on policy issues related to earthquake loss reduction.
The Symposium featured three sessions:
-1; Utilizing the result of research, observation and study of seismism for earthquake mitigation policy
-2; Strengthening technologies for buildings, structures and lifeline systems./ Urban planning and development policies to achieve earthquake hazard reduction
-3; Emergency response following earthquakes
In addition to the discussion of policy-oriented topics, corroborative research activities under the existing U.S.-Japan cooperative mechanisms such as the UJNR were recognized to be important.
A Joint Statement was adopted as an accomplishment of the Symposium;
Participants recognized the need for U.S. and Japan to develop stronger cooperative relations in the area of earthquake disaster reduction.
It was concluded that a High-level U.S.-Japan Earthquake Policy Cooperation Forum be established. The Minister of NLA and the Director of FEMA will lead the Forum, and its membership will comprise earthquake disaster policy-makers from both countries. The 1st Forum (1998 in U.S.) will address a) the use of real-time seismic information systems, b) the use of earthquake loss estimation models, and c) post-earthquake response/recovery and prevention of future losses.
Participants concluded that a wide variety of methods would be used to disseminate the results of the Forum to the worldwide community culminating in a joint U.S.-Japan presentation to other interested nations in the year 2000 as a fulfillment of the Common Agenda.
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Participants in the 2nd U.S.-Japan Earthquake Policy Symposium |
The 1st U.S.-Japan Workshop on Design for Wind and Wind Hazard Mitigation was held on October 7-9, 1997, at the Hawaii Imin International Conference Center, East-West Center, University of Hawaii. The Workshop was organized by Prof. A. N. L. Chiu, Emeritus Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Hawaii, under the auspices of Task Committee E of the Panel on Wind and Seismic Effects, UJNR. Ten U.S.-side Task Committee members and seven Japan-side members participated in the Workshop.
After the opening remarks by Dr. K. Sumida, President, East-West Center and by Dr. P. C. Yuen, Dean, College of Engineering, University of Hawaii, seventeen participants presented papers covering: control of wind-induced response of structures; prediction of wind-induced response of full-scale structures; topographic effects on wind characteristics; risk assessment of extreme winds; and computational fluid dynamics.
On the 2nd day of the Workshop, the participants separated into three groups: control of wind-induced response of structures; prediction of wind-induced response of full-scale structures; and topographic effects on wind characteristics and investigation of wind hazards, including damage assessment methodologies. Each group discussed possible cooperative research programs. The results were presented and discussed on the 3rd day of the Workshop, and the resolutions were adopted. Workshop Proceedings are being prepared by the University of Hawaii.
In the resolutions, the following technical topics for cooperative research programs were recommended: application of models and field measurements to determine wind speed-up and turbulence characteristics associated with topographic features; development and test of procedures for using comprehensive aerodynamic and/or structural characteristics database to calculate wind loading effects and structural performance; numerical simulation and measurements; aerodynamic control; performance evaluations; development of prediction methods for wind response of long span bridges; and cooperative efforts in post-storm damage assessment following tropical cyclones. It was also recommended to conduct the 2nd Workshop in the autumn of 1998, in Japan.
During and after the Workshop, the participants visited the following technical sites: National Weather Service Forecast Office; Pacific Tsunami Warning Center; and Mauna Loa Observatory.
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Briefing by Dr. Russell Schnell at Mauna Loa Observatory |
LARGE-SCALE THREE-DIMENSIONAL SHAKING TABLE
(Public Works Research Institute)
After the 1995 Kobe Earthquake, verifying aseismicity of structures by experiments has gained importance. However PWRI's existing shaking table could not reproduce strong motions such as generated by the 1995 Kobe Earthquake. Therefore a large-scale three-dimensional shaking table was designed, and completed in the spring of 1997. This shaking table has the world's largest shaking capability and can reproduce three dimensionally strong motion records from the past major earthquakes. The maximum and rated loading capacities are 300tf and 100tf, respectively, and the maximum horizontal acceleration is 2.0G for the rated loading. Also the shaking table is equipped with a hybrid vibration experiment system. This system integrates numerical response computation and vibration experiment with a part model of structure to reproduce seismic behavior of the whole structure. [http://www.pwri.go.jp]
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Large-Scale Three-Dimensional Shaking Table |
GEOTECHNICAL DYNAMIC CENTRIFUGE
(Public Works Research Institute )
The geotechnical centrifuge which generates a centrifugal acceleration in the model is a useful experimental tool for producing the same stress level as in the prototype. At PWRI, two centrifuges have been operated since 1961 and 1987; however, performance of these centrifuges is relatively poor compared to the latest state-of-technology devices. To tackle new geotechnical problems posed by the 1995 Kobe Earthquake, a new centrifuge which can simulate large earthquake motions was developed.
This geotechnical centrifuge has an effective radius of 6.6m and the maximum centrifugal acceleration is 150G. This is one of the largest devices in the world capable of investigating earthquake problems. A shaking table which can simulate large earthquake motions such as those in the 1995 Kobe Earthquake is mounted on the centrifuge. The maximum capacity of excitation is 40t G. A multi port optical fiber rotary joint is mounted on the axis, through which the electric signal from transducers in the model package are acquired by PC in the control room.
The new centrifuge was completed in March, 1997 and is now under extensive use aiming at investigating dynamic performance of retaining wall, spread footing and tunnel, liquefaction induced ground flow, etc. Since the CORPS Waterways Experiment Station has just completed construction of a centrifuge of similar capacity, the Panel's Task Committee H, Soil Behavior and Stability During Earthquakes, is planning a Workshop on Centrifugal Testing in 1998.
LARGE-SCALE PSEUDO-DYNAMIC TESTING SYSTEM FOR TWO-DIRECTION INPUT
(Building Research Institute)
The seismic safety of building structures is experimentally investigated in the Large-Size Structure Laboratory, using a full-scale test building. After the 1995 Kobe Earthquake, new facilities have been installed: a 15.5m height reaction wall was constructed perpendicular to BRI's existing one with 25m in height. Two huge reaction steel frames for the vertical loading which can hang and support two actuators with the capacity of 300tf in compression and 100tf in tension, and the new computer system which can control actuators and measurement equipment for step-by-step loading, cyclic, pseudo dynamic and more sophisticated measurements. These new facilities enable BRI to carry out bi-lateral and vertical loading tests to investigate the seismic performance of building structures. A new research and development project on the pseudo dynamic testing method with sub-structuring technique was started.
The specimen of the first test performed by these new facilities is the lower three stories of a six story model building with 6m in span length in both directions and 2.5m in story height. At the top of the columns of the specimen, vertical forces were applied that correspond to the weight of the upper stories and the over-turning moment caused by the lateral forces. The results have been analyzed and summarized, and will be published as a research paper. [http://www.kenken.go.jp]
EXPANSION OF GSI's NATIONALWIDE GPS ARRAY
(Geographical Survey Institute)
The nationwide GPS (Global Positioning System) array is named GEONET (GPS Earth Observation Network). The GEONET has been operated by the Geodetic Observation Center since April, 1996. This network is designed both to monitor crustal deformation and to serve as a highly precise geodetic network. This network has precisely monitored crustal deformation within several millimeters horizontally and several centimeters vertically. Most of the processing is carried out automatically.
This network is the densest GPS array in the world. It consists of about 900 observation sites, and data analysis center in GSI (Geographical Survey Institute) campus for daily processing. In this system, BERNESE (Software developed by Bern University in Switzerland for GPS data analysis), GAMIT (GPS Analysis Package Developed at Massachusetts Institute Technology), and GIPSY (GPS Inferred Positioning System) are all available.
Sixty new stations will be added by March, 1998. The GEONET will provide us much more detailed information of crustal deformation and of the geophysical phenomena such as water vapor distribution and its dynamics. Accumulation of the data will produce a seismic hazard map. [http://www.gsi-mc.go.jp]
TWO-AXIS LOAD TEST SYSTEM
(Civil Engineering Research Institute)
The Civil Engineering Research Institute (CERI) of the Hokkaido Development Bureau has been performing studies on seismic design. CERI has installed a two-axis load test system.
When completed, it will be able to carry out experiments with maximum loads of 300tf/200tf for static/dynamic loading in the vertical direction, and 150tf/100tf for static/dynamic loading in the horizontal direction.
This system is scheduled to be used in a few years to study the behavior of seismic isolation bearings at low temperatures and ultimate yield strength of reinforced concrete bridge piers under seismic loads. As a part of this system, a reaction wall, reaction frame and crane were installed in October, 1997 and have been in use for tests such as test of material strength, since then. [http://www.ceri.go.jp]
THREE-DIMENSIONAL UNDERWATER SHAKING TABLE
(Port and Harbour Research Institute)
A three-dimensional underwater shaking table was recently completed at the Port and Harbour Research Institute (PHRI), Ministry of Transport, to replace a conventional two-dimensional shaking table. The underwater shaking table is a facility to investigate dynamic interaction among soil, water, and structure during earthquakes, which plays a key role in understanding dynamic behavior of port and harbour structures. The newly developed shaking table can reproduce very severe near-field ground motions as observed in Kobe City during the 1995 Kobe Earthquake. This facility promises to contribute to earthquake disaster prevention of coastal areas in and outside of Japan. [http://www.phri.go.jp]
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Three-Dimensional Underwater Shaking Table |
EARTHQUAKE PHENOMENA OBSERVATION SYSTEM
(Japan Meteorological Agency)
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is responsible for issuing earthquake, volcanic eruption, and tsunami warning in Japan, and predicting the large earthquake which may occur in Tokai district in near future. For supporting work, JMA is operating the Earthquake Phenomena Observation System (EPOS) at its headquarters and the Earthquake and Tsunami Observation Systems (ETOS) at five regional tsunami warning centers during 24 hours a day.
The EPOS was replaced by the new computer system, called EPOS2, in March, 1995 for quickly processing a large number of seismic and geophysical data. The new system consists of several sub-systems for emergency work, seismic work, earthquake prediction, etc. Each sub-system has some engineering workstations and works independently. Seismic intensity distribution, for example, is first calculated from the seismic records at many sites and broadcasted in a few minutes. Tsunami warning is issued in several minutes, when tsunamis are expected.
Recently JMA began to collect and process all seismic and relating geophysical data observed by various organizations in Japan. Newer computer system has been installed for collecting those data.
[http://www.mri-jma.go.jp]
NATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR EARTH SCIENCE AND DISASTER PREVENTION
The National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (NIED) was established as the National Research Center for Disaster Prevention in 1963. Since then it has been conducting research in meteorological disasters, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, snow avalanches and other forms of natural disasters. However, with the rapid socio-economic growth and structural changes in recent years, the characteristics of natural disasters have remarkably changed their features. In addition, people's concern on the global climatic changes has increased throughout the world toward the future and the effects of the changes on the potentiality of natural disaster occurrence and on intensifying the features become serious problems in disaster area. Therefore, research strategy for natural disaster reduction according to global changes has to be based upon standpoints of earth science and technology.
The institute was reorganized to adapt to new research strategy and its name was changed to NIED in 1990. NIED is facilitating the research efforts for natural disaster prevention based on earth science with the application of advanced technologies to clarify the mechanism of global climatic changes and the relationships between the changes and their effects on the natural disaster occurrence and the consequence.
The NIED organization includes 5 research divisions, 2 research branches and an administration division. The research divisions are Atmospheric and Hydrospheric Science Division, Solid Earth Science Division, Disaster Prevention Research Division, Advanced Measurement and Analysis Technology Division and Earthquake Research Center. Research branches are located at Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture and Shinjo, Yamagata Prefecture.
The research subjects related with UJNR's wind and seismic effects, are mainly dealt with the Disaster Prevention Research Division. This division has 4 research laboratories; Rainfall and Storm Disaster Laboratory, Earthquake and Volcanic Disaster Prevention Laboratory, Landslide Laboratory and Earthquake Engineering Laboratory.
The research on earthquake engineering is conducted in 3 major areas. The first research category is the Large Scale Earthquake Simulator; the second largest shaking table facility in the world. This facility is a one-dimensional shaking table measuring 14.5mx15m, maximum amplitude is +-22cm and maximum model weight is 500tf. Staff tested 7 to 8 research subjects, such as building, mechanical equipment, soil liquefaction and so on, within one year.
The second research category is the operation and data-opening through internet of K-NET. K-NET is Japan's strong-motion observation network. There are 1,000 observatory sites and the average distance between sites is 25km. The strong-motion is recorded to the IC card at the site, and is transmitted to the operation center located in Tsukuba, by using the telephone line. After gathering the data, the data sets are made available to the public.
The third research category is the construction plan of the 3-D Full-Scale Earthquake Testing Facility. This facility is the three-dimensional (six-degrees-of-freedom) shaking table facility, which is 20mx15m of table size, +-100cm, +-50cm of maximum amplitude for horizontal and vertical directions, 200cm/s, 70cm/s of maximum velocity for horizontal and vertical directions and 0.9G, 1.5G of maximum acceleration for horizontal and vertical directions. This facility will be scheduled for completion in fiscal year 2004. The facility will be available for use by domestic and international research organizations and researchers. See NIED on the Web at http://www.bosai.go.jp.
THE UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY AND THE NATIONAL EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS REDUCTION PROGRAM (NEHRP)
The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP), which was enacted into law in October, 1997, is the legal mandate for the United States Geological Survey's (USGS) earthquake program. NEHRP is an integrated national program of basic and applied research to forge the state-of-the-art, technology transfer to link researchers and practitioners, and applications to help local jurisdictions foster public policies and professional practices that will reduce mortality, morbidity, and economic losses throughout the United States from earthquakes. They also provide training and technical assistance upon request to other countries throughout the world to reduce losses from earthquakes.
Four agencies: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the lead agency providing coordination; United States Geological Survey; National Science Foundation (NSF); and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) administers NEHRP's annual budget of approximately $ 100 million and does the above functions through projects performed internally by professional staff and externally by grants to universities, consulting firms, and professional organizations.
USGS, which has a professional staff of about 450 geologists and seismologists and engineers involved in NEHRP, administers approximately one-half of the annual NEHRP budget. The Geological Survey's program consists of seven elements designed to establish, maintain, and advance the frontiers of science and technology and research applications in the Nation. They are: Urban Hazards and Risk Assessments and Fostering of Mitigation Measures; National Hazards and Risk Assessments and Fostering of Mitigation Measures; Geologic Hazards Information Services; Real-time Hazards Monitoring and Warning Systems; Earthquake Processes; Post-earthquake Investigations; and Technology Transfer, Training, and Technical Assistance.
USGS is part of the Department of Interior. It provides the United States with reliable, impartial information to describe and understand the Earth. This information is used to: minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological energy, and mineral resources; enhance and protect the quality of life; and contribute to wise economic and physical development. USGS' contributions to public policy issues focus on four major themes: 1. the environment; 2. resources; 3. geologic and hydrologic hazards; and 4. integrated data and information management. The Survey addresses the U.S.' highest priority earth science problems from an interdisciplinary perspective that capitalizes on the array of its scientific and technical strengths.
USGS' focus in natural hazards is aimed at developing technologies to reduce the loss of life and property from these hazards. The Survey is: advancing its understanding of the fundamental processes that control or trigger hazardous events or situations; serving as the lead in developing real-time monitoring and warning systems; and enhancing the use of hazards assessments by decision makers, to improve disaster response and mitigation planning. USGS' Earthquake Program conducts and supports research to increase understanding of earthquake occurrence and effects for developing and improving hazard assessment methods and loss reduction strategies. Results are transferred to customers by direct interaction with its users, through professional workshops and conferences, and by scientific reports. See USGS on the Web at http://www.usgs.gov.
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Editor:
Michio Okahara
Secretary-General, Japan-side Panel,
Director, Structure and Bridge Department
Public Works Research Institute
Ministry of Construction
1, Asahi, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki-ken 305
TEL: 0298-64-2835 FAX: 0298-64-0565
E-mail: okahara@pwri.go.jp
URL: http://www.pwri.go.jp
Secretary-General, U.S.-side Panel:
Noel J. Raufaste
Head, Cooperative Research Programs
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
U.S. Department of Commerce
Gaithersburg, MD 20899 USA
TEL: 301-975-5905 FAX: 301-975-4737
E-mail: noel.raufaste@nist.gov
URL:http://www.bfrl.nist.gov
