For considering how to use E-Defense most effectively, there are many research subjects which NIED
should make clear before the operation of the facility becomes possible. In order to contribute in
improving the seismic performance and design of structures by utilizing E-Defense, NIED conducted a
new research project, tilted as “No.2 significant improvement of seismic performance of structures” in
a special project for earthquake disaster mitigation in urban areas. The project is sponsored by the
ministry of education, culture, sports, science and technology in Japan (MEXT) and has been started
from September 2002.
This project contains six main research topics as presented in Table 2. This huge amount of
research work became possible by close collaboration of dozens of domestic research centers,
universities, independent administrative institutions and private companies. The research organizations
which are involved in this collaborative research are also included in Table 2.
Currently, we are heavily involved in preparation of the practical plans for full-scale shake table
test models of reinforced concrete structures, soil-pile-structure systems and wooden structures.
The duration of this project is for about five years, which has been started from September, 2002
and will end in March, 2007. The first half of the total period is the preparation time to provide the
requirements for the experiment and research related to the utilization of E-Defense. The second half
Payload 12MN(1,200tonf)
Size 20m×15m
Driving Type Accumulator Charge/Electro-Hydraulic Servo Control
Shaking Direction XY-Horizontal Z-Vertical
Maximum Acceleration >900cm/s2
>1,500cm/s2
Maximum Velocity 200cm/s 70cm/s
Maximum Displacement ±100cm ±50cm
Maximum Allowable Overturning Yawing
Moment 150MN・m 40MN・m
Figure 1 Overall image of the largest shake table
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is the period to perform experiments and research using E-Defense to improve the seismic
performance and design of structures.