Laboratory of Urban Disaster Protection Planning

As of October 26, 2021

Basic information

Division

Architectural and Structural Design

* Please go to Courses to see the list of subjects offered by the division.

Faculty members accepting applicants

TAKAI Nobuo (Assoc. Prof.)

About the laboratory

Description

There are two research groups in this Lab.

[Earthquake Strong Ground Motion Group] Nobuo TAKAI

  • In recent years, it has become important to create design input seismic motion in skyscrapers, seismic isolation, nuclear power buildings, etc. Especially in high-rise and seismic isolation, proper evaluation of long-period ground motion is the key. However, it is very difficult to evaluate the characteristic long-period ground motions near faults, such as the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes. When and where will such earthquake motion occur in the future?
    The seismic motion at the construction site is determined by the characteristics of the "earthquake source," "propagation path," and "underground structure at the construction site." In Hokkaido, interplate earthquakes and intraplate earthquakes (intrslab earthquakes) frequently occur due to the subduction of the Pacific plate. There is also a high possibility of an inland earthquake, such as the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake. The 1993 Kushiro-Oki earthquake, which is an interplate earthquake, focused on short-period ground motion. The 2003 Tokachi-Oki earthquake, an interplate earthquake, focused on long-period ground motion.
    We also have the observation stations at Kathmandu city in Nepal after 2011. We recorded strong ground motion during the 2015 Nepal Gorkha Earthquake in our observation network and released these records, which many researchers and engineers use widely. 
    Our group is conducting strong ground motion research through analysis of observation records and underground structure surveys to investigate the appearance of earthquake motion during the coming major earthquake.
  • Main study subjects concerned above
    • Site effect on strong ground motion
    • Attenuation of seismic wave
    • Seismic source characteristic 

 

Organization of research

[Earthquake Strong Ground Motion Group] 

  • In the first year of the master's course, you will learn basic theory and analysis methods, and study the coursework. We will also practice computational languages for analysis. After that, set the theme after consulting with the faculty member. We make many outdoor observations and bring back the data for analysis. Or use government observed data. Group-wide meetings are held about once a week, and individual meetings are held when necessary. We value the stance that observed data are the most important.

 

Ongoing projects

[Earthquake Strong Ground Motion Group]

 

Enrolled students' research topics

[Earthquake Strong Ground Motion Group]

  • The research topic is decided according to the discussion between the student and supervisor. I welcome the independent will of the students. Let's have a lot of discussions.

Information for potential applicants

Applicants' background

[Earthquake Strong Ground Motion Group]

  • Applicants are expected to have a basic knowledge of mathematics and physics.

Who should apply?

[Earthquake Strong Ground Motion Group]

  • Students with interest in earthquake, earthquake engineering, and field observations.
  • If you are interested in geography, geomorphology, and geology, field observations will be fun.

How to choose a research proposal topic?

[Earthquake Strong Ground Motion Group]

  • The research proposal need not be concerned with our ongoing research directly. However, please could you check the research map page to know our group's research topics.

How the research proposal is evaluated?

[Earthquake Strong Ground Motion Group]

I evaluate the applicants:

  1. logical composition of the proposal
  2. research target
  3. knowledge of engineering and basic science

Plan to accept applicants

Application type Enrollment semester Master’s course Doctoral course Comments
MEXT Scholarship (Uniform call) Oct. 2022 〇 〇
MEXT Embassy 〇 〇
e3 Special Selection Oct. 2022 〇 〇

How to apply

Please follow the application procedure for the respective application category announced at the e3 web page.

Accepting Research Students

[Earthquake Strong Ground Motion Group]

  • We do not accept Research students. The only exception is students who have secured a scholarship which supports research student period (for example, MEXT via the Embassy nomination, some types of JICA scholarship etc.)

Availability of financial support

Please check the e3 web page for information about the scholarships and other financial support.

Inquiries

If you have any inquiries about the application and admission procedures etc., please contact the e3 office. You can submit your application on-line during the "matching period" irrespective of prior contact with potential supervisor(s).

Achievements

Graduates employment

[Earthquake Strong Ground Motion Group]

  • Pursuing a doctoral degree at Hokkaido University (2)
  • Working at a government research institute in Japan (1)
  • Working at university at home country (1)