Activities of the Japan Dam Engineering Center
The activities of the Japan Dam Engineering Center include (1) conducting surveys and research, (2) providing technological assistance, (3) training personnel, (4) implementing public awareness programs, and (5) conducting international affairs. Other activities include precast formwork projects and examination and certification programs for the newly developed technologies.
Priority Activities of JDEC
Development of New Technologies
Cruising RCD method at Yunishigawa Dam
We must develop technologies to meet the increasingly diverse needs of dam projects, such as environmental preservation, cost reduction, and shortened construction period. To satisfy these needs, the Japan Dam Engineering Center has actively developed and introduced trapezoidal CSG dams, the cruising RCD method, artificial abutments, and technologies to rationalize the design of discharge systems.
Effective Use of Existing Dams
Gateless project at Tobe Dam
Given the difficulty of constructing new dams, it has become necessary to use existing dams more efficiently and for longer periods. Therefore, we are actively redeveloping dams by raising their height to increase the reservoir capacity, strengthening their discharge performance to achieve more effective reservoir use, and installing sediment flushing systems or eliminating the gates to reduce the workload of dam management.
Management of Dam Safety
Safety inspection
As dams age, the number where the main body and/or discharge equipment undergo marked deterioration increases. Older dams must be comprehensively inspected to evaluate the safety of the dam body and to propose repair and management plans to prolong the service life. Furthermore, the seismic resistance of the dam body, gates, and other structural parts must be carefully analyzed to prepare for large earthquakes in the future.
| Surveys and Research The Japan Dam Engineering Center independently conducts surveys and research on important issues such as surveying, planning, design, construction, and management of dams, and also undertakes committee activities involving academics, experts, and administrators. With the cooperation of academic associations and related industries, the JDEC carries out sophisticated survey and research programs to develop new technologies and prepare technological guidelines. |
| Technological Assistance In order to resolve the various technological problems faced at each stage of a dam project - surveying, design, construction, and management - the JDEC provides comprehensive technological assistance in response to requests from national and prefectural governments. The accumulated technological information, unique research and development capabilities, advanced knowledge, and broad information network of the JDEC are highly evaluated. Technological support is also provided free of charge to national and prefectural governments dealing with urgent challenges during dam construction. |
| Training Personnel By organizing field study meetings, research conferences, on-the-job training, and other learning opportunities, the JDEC has greatly contributed to improving the practical technological skills of dam engineers. |
| Public Awareness Activities The JDEC informs the public about dam engineering and disseminates information about dams through an array of PR activities including producing numerous publications, such as the monthly journal "Engineering for Dams", the technical book series "Construction of Multi-purpose Dams", and its newsletter “Dam News”, as well as organizing photo contests and other events focused on dams and dam engineering. |
| International Affairs The JDEC actively participates in international conferences by taking part in transnational groups such as the International Commission on Large Dams, dispatching personnel to provide overseas technological assistance, accepting trainees from overseas, and collecting and publishing technological information from overseas. |
