2020 Volume 58 Issue 8 Pages 573-580
Forty-five years have passed since the San-yo Shinkansen commenced full operation, and various initiatives for the maintenance and management of the concrete structures have been undertaken during this time. As Japan's population will further decline in the future, it is essential that productivity must be improved through the use of new technologies to allow the proper maintenance and management of the concrete structures and ensure their continued safety. Currently, JR West is testing technologies for constant monitoring of PC structures in a bid to improve inspection work efficiency, labor saving, and safety. It is also working on various ways to improve productivity, including the use of drones, image analysis, and cathodic protection methods. This paper reports on various demonstration initiatives toward the utilization of these new technologies.
