We have two main research targets. One is the technological development on stock management about the various irrigation and drainage facilities and the large rural areas, which includes hilly and mountainous areas, sea embankment, etc. The other is the development of comprehensive technologies for disaster prevention and disaster reduction for the irrigation and drainage facilities and rural areas. Our Division consists of the following two groups.
- The Soil Mechanics and Structural Engineering Group conducts research on the safety and conservation management of core irrigation facilities (dams, irrigation ponds, sea embankment , farm roads, etc.). In order to prevent these facilities from being damaged by earthquakes and heavy rains, we are conducting physical experiments and numerical analysis to develop safety evaluation methods and reinforcement measures. We are also working on the development and sophistication of rational and low-cost facility monitoring methods.
- Facilities Maintenance and Management Group researches and develops the functional diagnosis and repair/reinforcement technologies for aging irrigation and drainage facilities such as headworks, open channels, pipelines, and pump facilities that deliver irrigation water for agricultural production. Additionally, our group targets the technologies that contribute to maintaining biological habitat, and technologies for evaluating/mitigating the impact of altered environment on water management.
In the 5th medium-term plan from 2021, we will carry out Research & Development to promote the DX (digital transformation) of the technology of investigation, design, construction, and maintenance management of irrigation and drainage facilities to improve the productivity of agricultural rural development programs.
