INVAX Technical Research Institute (ITR)

Mission statement

For nearly 20 years, we have been conducting technical research based on numerous blending test data to expand the use of Sabo soil cement, which is the filling material for the SB Wall construction method, and have developed our business under thorough quality control. Throughout this period, we have also been involved in the design of disaster prevention facilities related to Sabo and afforestation, contributing to efforts in preventing and mitigating sediment disasters. Our expertise, particularly in Sabo soil-cement technology, is considered pioneering in the country, and we take pride in leading the forefront of this field.

In recent years, an increase in unexpected natural disasters has become a frequent occurrence, highlighting the urgent need for resilient disaster preparedness plans and facilities across various sectors. We have established the INVAX Technical Resesrasch Institute (ITR) to leverage the expertise we have cultivated so far. With a broader perspective that includes rivers, roads, ports, and international ventures, we aim to discover new opportunities that contribute to the expansion of our business in the fields of investigation, planning, design, and construction. This initiative is a part of our commitment to proactive exploration and growth. Recognizing the importance of obtaining research and technical advice, we have established a Technology Research Committee composed of external experts with academic and experiential knowledge.

Striving for a recycling-oriented society

Our research on soil-cement is also aimed at providing assistance in addressing the depopulation and aging challenges in rural mountainous areas within the context of an aging society with a declining birthrate. As illustrated in the figure 1, a general construction projects typically involve sourcing materials from a location separate from the construction site and disposing of the local soil and debris elsewhere. In contrast, constructions utilizing soil-cement as the primary material take advantage of on-site soil as a resource, manufacturing soil-cement directly at the site. This approach allows for the completion of the entire construction process on-site. Consequently, investment is concentrated in the local area, employment opportunities increase within the region, and a cycle of prosperity is expected to form, enriching the local community.

Figure 1: Comparison of general construction and soil cement construction

Our research

1.Research on technological challenges and solutions in the civil engineering industry

Various types of embankments in the civil engineering industry have been constructed using soil materials. The soil in these embankments varies in characteristics, including those that easily dissolve in water, and those that are challenging to mix with other materials. To address challenges associated with these variations, we are conducting research on quality control techniques in flowable soil-cement and roller-compacted soil-cement.
Furthermore, we are conducting research on construction methods in cold regions, as well as the development of heavy machinery that enables construction during the winter season. Specifically, our current research is focused on the utilization of soil-cement in Hokkaido, in consideration of the unique weather and soil conditions of the Hokkaido region (joint research with Hokkaido University).

Figure 2: Exposure test in Hokkaido

In addition, rapid construction of roads and other infrastructure is a challenge in large-scale disasters. One solution to this challenge is the use of soil-cement, which utilizes local soil and ITR has participated in the research on rapid construction technology using the local soil.

Figure 3: Example A of road construction

Figure 4: Example B of road construction

Various types of embankments in the civil engineering industry have been constructed using soil materials. The soil in these embankments varies in characteristics, including those that easily dissolve in water, and those that are challenging to mix with other materials. To address challenges associated with these variations, we are conducting research on quality control techniques in flowable soil-cement and roller-compacted soil-cement.

Furthermore, we are conducting research on construction methods in cold regions, as well as the development of heavy machinery that enables construction during the winter season. Specifically, our current research is focused on the utilization of soil-cement in Hokkaido, in consideration of the unique weather and soil conditions of the Hokkaido region (joint research with Hokkaido University).

Figure 2: Exposure test in Hokkaido

In addition, rapid construction of roads and other infrastructure is a challenge in large-scale disasters. One solution to this challenge is the use of soil-cement, which utilizes local soil and ITR has participated in the research on rapid construction technology using the local soil.

Figure 3: Example A of road construction

Figure 4: Example B of road construction

2. Research on utilization technology of dredged mud

In harbor facilities such as fishing ports, sediment that accumulates annually is dredged. However, due to challenges in securing disposal sites, there are instances where disposal methods such as marine dumping are employed.

We are conducting research on the use of this dredged soil as a civil engineering and construction material by improving it into sediment that doesn’t turn into mud through a cement hydration reaction, using it as fill material, and manufacturing secondary products such as fish reefs by increasing its strength in the elastic range.

Figure 5: Dredging work

3. Research on turbid water countermeasures

The red soil contamination issue in the Okinawa and Amami regions, caused by heavy rain dissolving exposed red soil and flowing into rivers and eventually reaching the ocean, has become a significant environmental concern. As a solution to this problem, our company's soil-cement technology can be applied to solidify the red soil in areas prone to runoff resulting from public projects and other activities. This process helps mitigate runoff and prevent the environmental impact caused by red soil contamination.

Figure 6: Photo of sea where red soil pollution spreads

We are conducting technical research to modify various types of difficult-to-handle soil and sediment into different properties, addressing challenges associated with their treatment.

Figure 7: Soil cement made by red soil

The red soil contamination issue in the Okinawa and Amami regions, caused by heavy rain dissolving exposed red soil and flowing into rivers and eventually reaching the ocean, has become a significant environmental concern. As a solution to this problem, our company's
soil-cement technology can be applied to solidify the red soil in areas prone to runoff resulting from public projects and other activities. This process helps mitigate runoff and prevent the environmental impact caused by red soil contamination.

Figure 6: Photo of sea where red soil pollution spreads

We are conducting technical research to modify various types of difficult-to-handle soil and sediment into different properties, addressing challenges associated with their treatment.

Figure 7: Soil cement made by red soil

The river turbidity occurring during heavy rainfall has become a societal issue, affecting marine and river ecosystems adversely. Therefore, we are advancing research on turbidity purification leveraging the properties of soil-cement to address this concern.

Figure 8: Turbid water resulting from mudslides, etc.

4. Other research on disaster prevention and mitigation

We are conducting research on new construction methods and techniques to expand the application of soil-cement beyond Sabo and afforestation, into other fields related to disaster prevention and mitigation.

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