Urban infrastructure such as subways is currently being constructed in urban areas with remarkable economic development in Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam and the Philippines. The construction of infrastructure using various tunneling methods is also underway in regions such as Panama and Nepal under ODA from the Japanese government. We participate in such overseas infrastructure projects as tunnel specialists, providing technical support from surveying and design during the planning stage, to construction management and post-construction maintenance.

Because Japan is an earthquake-prone country, its seismic tunnel design technology is among the best in the world. The accumulation of knowledge that has resulted in safe and long-lasting tunnels in earthquake-prone areas is unparalleled. The know-how we have gained from the aftermath of natural disasters is now in demand for the construction of infrastructure in other countries suffering from natural disasters, and as specialists in tunnel design, we have been involved in the construction of a variety of infrastructure overseas.

Our goal is to transfer the technologies necessary for surveying, design, construction, and maintenance to local engineers for the construction of tunnels and other civil engineering infrastructure, and to ensure that local infrastructure can be managed over the long term. To achieve our goal, our engineers are active in various countries and regions around the world.

First, a survey of the foundations, groundwater, and the presence of other underground structures is conducted at the proposed construction site. For example, in the case of subways, surveys are conducted to determine what lays under the ground between each station based on urban planning.

Based on the survey results, the construction method is selected and drawings for the tunnel design are prepared, taking into account the foundations and groundwater conditions along the route, and the presence of underground and aboveground structures. In doing so, we also give due consideration to disaster prevention and maintenance management when the tunnel is in service.

We provide assistance in tunnel construction projects to ensure the project stays on schedule in our role as construction supervisor. Based on the information they collect, engineers personally check whether the construction is progressing properly according to the construction method and construction period specified in the design drawings. We also provide the best advice and resolve any unexpected problems that may arise during the construction phase at the earliest possible time.

Our focus in this area is the transfer of the skills and experience needed to maintain tunnels over the long term. The goal is to teach what kind of periodic inspections and repair work is necessary for the safe management of infrastructure and when, and ultimately to enable local engineers to perform maintenance, management, and renewal independently.

Starting with our participation in the renovation of the Ahmed Hamdi Tunnel in Egypt (a road tunnel under the Suez Canal) in 1992, we have been instrumental in many overseas projects. Our key strength lies in the knowledge we have accumulated over nearly 30 years in the industry.