Construction of Underground Service Tunnels as Part of Disaster Management. Issue 1 (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Suzuki, Nanami; Shirane, Tetsuya; Morimura, Taira; Nitta, Hiroyuki
• Is Part Of: IOP conference series. Volume 703:Issue 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Earth sciences -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Congresses; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; 550.5
• DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/703/1/012040
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-1307

Abstract

Abstract: Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. The Great East Japan Earthquake that struck on March 11, 2011 devastated a vast area centered on three prefectures in the Tohoku region (Fukushima, Miyagi, and Iwate), and there is said to be a more than 70% probability of a magnitude 7 earthquake striking Tokyo—the nation's capital—within the next 30 years. Under these circumstances, various measures are being considered for application to a range of facilities, transportation systems, and infrastructure in Japan in order to protect people's lives and—at the very least—reduce damage in the event of an earthquake, but in reality no one can image the kind of situation that would unfold should an earthquake actually occur. Sandwiched between Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace in the center of Tokyo, the Otemachi, Marunouchi, and Yurakucho districts (known colloquially as the "Daimaruyu" area) comprise one huge business district where there is a concentration of representative Japanese companies—including major banks, trading companies, and newspapers—and Japan offices of foreign corporations. In addition to protecting human life, this area potentially faces another serious challenge in the event of a major earthquake—preventing disruption to the businesses operating within it. In order to be able to do this, strengthening and redundancy of infrastructure such as energy, water, and heating and cooling systems are required. In order to achieve this strengthening and redundancy of energy, water, and heating/cooling infrastructure, utility and service tunnels for installing energy, water, and air-conditioning supply pipes are currently being constructed at a depth of 20–30 meters below ground in the Daimaruyu area. This paper provides an overview of the significance and purpose of this service tunnel construction as well as the project content.