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Research and Development
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Winchor method for setting laminated
rubber bearings with wing-shaped plates
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New "parallel" seismic reinforcement
method
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Multi-story fab with base isolation
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Self-elevating bridge method
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Technologies for revitalizing
the coastal environment
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VASARA tunnel construction method
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Market Situation and Performance
In response to the dramatic increase in proposal-oriented
projects in the last few years, Kajima has strengthened the link between its business
strategies and its technological development. Investment in R&D is being prioritized
and focused in promising fields that will support future business development,
and where there is a clear market need. Total R&D investment in the financial
year to March 2005 was ¥9.7 billion (on a non-consolidated basis), 0.75% in
proportion to revenues.
Strategies for Growth
Ongoing research and development is indispensable to the growth
and development of a corporation. Kajima undertakes R&D to respond to the
various needs of its clients and society in a collaborative effort between the
Kajima Technical Research Institute, the Kobori Research Complex, and various
research-related departments and divisions. These long-standing efforts have earned
praise for Kajima technology within Japan and around the world.
The R&D structure was strengthened at the end of June 2005
with the establishment of the Research and Technology Development Division, created
through the integration of the Kajima Technical Research Institute, the Kobori
Research Complex, and the Intellectual Property and License Department together
with the newly established office of R&D Planning. This realignment will bring
a stricter priority of focus and greater efficiency to R&D, and tighten coordination
with intellectual property strategies.
Kajima is stepping up its R&D efforts in such strategic areas
as urban renewal, engineering, environment, renovation, life-cycle management,
cost reduction and shortening a term of construction times. We will continue to
encourage the practical application and business development of successful research
technologies, and pursue strategic alliances domestically and internationally
with companies in other industries, universities and the research bodies of independent
administrative institutions.
Major Achievements in R&D
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Earthquake Resistance Technologies
Technologies to counter the effects of frequent earthquakes,
such as seismic retrofitting, structural control and seismic isolation, are currently
the focus of attention. Kajima has developed and brought to market such new building
technologies as the "parallel construction method" for seismic retrofitting and
the HiDAX structural control system, as well as the "winchor method" for skyscrapers.
Kajima is also actively developing systems to measure, predict
and provide warnings of earthquakes, one aspect of which led to the practical
application of a system to predict and evaluate in real time the sloshing in oil
tanks for improving safety. Simulation software is also being developed that will
evaluate the risk of damage to buildings in an earthquake.
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High-performance hydraulic damper "HiDAX"
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Environmental Technologies
At a time when environmental issues are drawing much attention,
Kajima is developing a variety of technologies to preserve, regenerate and clean
up the environment. One example is a system for cultivating eel grass, which plays
a vital role in maintaining a healthy coastal environment. Kajima's integrated
method encompasses seed collection, germination, raising of the seedlings and
transplant.
Other Kajima technologies include a system to prevent diffusion
of the silt and sediment stirred up by offshore construction, by utilizing precise
analysis and prediction of sea currents, and the practical application of a system
to decontaminate soil biologically.
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Analysis and prediction system for sea current
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Transportation System Technologies
The limited land area and underground spaces in Japan demand
their efficient utilization. In order to allow for the construction of underground
road networks, Kajima is developing next-generation shield technologies that will
permit the construction of cross-sectional portions of underground tunnels, such
as ramp tunnels and branching structures, without the need to dig down from surface
areas which have a dense concentration of buildings.
Kajima is also developing a "lane lighting system" in which the
traditional white lines are replaced by highly luminescent light emitting diodes
(LEDs), allowing the markings on the pavement to be changed according to traffic
conditions or time of day.
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Lane lighting system
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Advanced Research Technologies
Kajima is responding to the ever-developing needs of society
with world-leading technologies.
In the area of magnetic shields Kajima developed the world's
first "open magnetic shield," which is now being used in "transparent" MRI rooms.
The glass-walled MRI rooms give a feeling of greater openness and comfort than
those using conventional shielding materials, and help to ease examinees' feeling
of oppression during MRI scans. Kajima is also exploring applications for this
shield in the semiconductor field.
In the area of construction, Kajima developed a type of concrete
for use in bridges that has three to four times the compressive strength of ordinary
concrete, and is currently using it in projects that are heavily technology-oriented.
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Transparent MRI room
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