Group photograph of US-Japan Members attending 42^nd Joint Meeting of the Panel on Wind and Seismic Effects

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• Newsletters, Jun. 2009

Introduction

The U.S.-Japan Cooperative Program in Natural Resources (UJNR) was created in January 1964; one of three Programs comprising the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Science Program. The Panel on Wind and Seismic Effects was established in 1969. Its objectives are to encourage, develop, and implement the exchange of wind and seismic technologies; develop stronger technical links between the two countries; and conduct joint research, cooperative programs, and exchange guest researchers and equipment. The Panel's activities resulted in improved building and bridge standards and codes, and design and construction practices in hydraulic structures in both countries. The Panel's accomplishments have improved design and construction practices for both countries.
  7 key Japanese agencies and 21 U.S. agencies participate in the Panel working through collaboration between Japanese and  U.S.member researchers in 7 Task Committees with representatives of universities and private sector organizations. Each committee focuses on specific technical issues. Task Committee activities include exchange of technical data and information on design and construction of civil engineering lifelines, buildings, and water front structures, promote and execute joint research projects, and exchange high wind and seismic measurement records. Annual meetings alternate between Japan and the U.S. (odd numbered years in Japan; even numbered years in the U.S.). One-week technical meetings and technical site visits provide the forum to discuss ongoing research and research results. The Public Works Research Institute(PWRI) has been the Japan-side Chair and The National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) has been the U.S.-side Chair since the Panel's creation.
  The Panel is planning its 41th Joint Meeting to be conducted at Tsukuba, Japan in May 2009.