Newsletter Volume 10, Issue 1 March 2025

On December 24, 2024 and January 9, 2025, IPA held the “Press-in Piling Construction Site Tour” for civil engineering students, with a total of 20 participants over the two days. This tour was designed to provide students with a unique opportunity to experience an active construction site, enhancing their understanding of practical engineering applications. It also aimed to inspire the next generation of construction professionals by introducing them to the latest press-in piling technology and emphasizing the social significance of construction work.

The tour took place at the “Ikkokubashi Bridge Downstream Channel Widening and Other Works”, a key component of the "Metropolitan Expressway Nihonbashi Underground Project" led by the Metropolitan Expressway Co., Ltd. The Metropolitan Expressway was built in preparation for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and has long served as a crucial transportation network supporting Japan's economic activities and daily life. However, after more than half a century, the Nihonbashi section is undergoing an undergrounding project to address aging infrastructure and seismic concerns. This project involves converting the section from Kandabashi Junction to Edobashi Junction into an underground tunnel replacing the aging elevated bridge. The “Ikkokubashi Bridge Downstream Channel Widening and Other Construction Work” is aimed at widening the river channel in the target section in order to lower the water level of Nihonbashi River in advance, taking into consideration future construction within the river.
 

During the tour, participants observed the full process, from the erection of steel tubular piles to their installation using a GYRO PILERTM. Given the site's proximity to buildings and the elevated Metropolitan Expressway, the crane lifting the piles drew considerable attention. Many participants commented that they were surprised that there was less vibration and noise than expected. Several participants also remarked that while pile foundations are frequently discussed in university courses, this was their first time seeing actual piles in use.

The IPA remains committed to fostering the next generation of civil engineers through site tours and similar educational initiatives. We sincerely appreciate the participation of all attendees and extend our deep gratitude to Metropolitan Expressway Co., Ltd., TODA CORPORATION, and GIKEN SEKO CO., LTD. for their invaluable support in making this event a success.

Photo 1. During the site tour