STAFF INTERVIEW
Obayashi Corporation Civil Engineering Headquarters Production Engineering Headquarters
Dam Engineering Division
Akira Naito
Dam construction includes all elements (work types) of civil engineering such as earthworks, river works, tunnel works, road works, bridge works, and concrete works, etc. In that sense, the dam is a structure that can be said to be the "compilation of civil engineering technology."
Compared to general civil engineering work, the construction scale is larger, the construction period is longer, and the construction process is more complicated.In addition, many construction site facilities such as concrete manufacturing and transportation equipment, electricity and water supply equipment, workers' accommodation facilities, etc. are required.
The reasons for undertaking construction work as a JV (joint venture) by multiple companies are that these projects are large-scale and involve many technical issues, and also require cooperation with administrative agencies and local communities.For these reasons, it can be said that this is a project that involves a large number of people and requires comprehensive management skills to bring them all together.
Obayashi Corporation built concrete gravity dams such as the Nukabira Dam in Hokkaido in 1956, concrete arch dams such as the Amagase Dam in Kyoto Prefecture in 1964, and Agigawa Dam in Gifu Prefecture completed in 1990. Obayashi has achievement records for the construction of all types of dams.
Also, other notable constructions are the Shimajigawa Dam, in which the RCD (Roller Compacted Dam-Concrete) construction method was fully adopted in Japan, and the raising of Sayamaikeike dam, which was built as Japan's oldest reservoir in the first half of the 7th century.
In terms of technological development, the automation of cable crane operation, which is difficult even for skilled operators was put into practice, in an automatic concrete transportation system of dam, and it has been adopted by many dams. In addition, technologies such as concrete aggregate water immersion weighing systems and dam concrete compaction determination systems, that contribute to the advancement of dam quality, have been highly evaluated.
In recent years, we have also been concentrating on a design utilizing UAV and ICT technology, automated and unattended construction operation, quality control, and safety management. Also, not only construction technology but concrete crack measurement using image processing and underwater inspection robots, etc., we are going ahead with the development and practical application of technology for the maintenance and management of existing dams for the future.
After all, I was concerned with the construction of dam that helps to prevent disasters and solve water shortages in the region. During the actual construction of the dam, there was no flooding at downstream when it rains heavily at upstream, and I was impressed by the effect of the dam and by the pleasure of the local people.
Also, in recent years, dams have attracted attention as tourist destinations, and it is one of my rewards to see the children's interest in dams through the news that events are held.
The background of demand for new technologies such as those mentioned above are needs of the times including shortages of human resources (aging of skilled workers), work style reforms (improving the working environment of workers), site rationalization, labor saving, shortening of construction periods, and consideration for the environment.
That is why we need to further accelerate the development of technology that responds to those requests. For instance, advanced use of AI and ICT technologies are among them. At the Kawakami Dam, which is currently under construction, the use of AI and ICT technologies are actively promoted, and accumulation and improvement of know-how are done daily. While advancing step by step through trial and error, we will continue to aim for high-quality dam construction that is friendly to workers, regional communities, and the environment.
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