Kato: This facility is an industry-academia joint project between Nagoya University and the NEXCO CENTRAL group. By combining the research capabilities of Nagoya University with the inspection technology that we have cultivated so far, we are developing new inspection technology and studying existing technology. In addition, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism We will organize training councils with administrative agencies including the Chubu Regional Development Bureau, various universities in the Chubu region, and private companies / organizations. I am.
Another major feature of New Bridge is that the bridge that was actually used was rebuilt and reborn as a practical inspection and training facility. It is a training facility where you can hone your skills by using actual bridge deformations as teaching materials.

Kato: It is difficult to artificially create concrete deformations such as salt damage and neutralization over time. In the case of an actual bridge, practical training is available such as "what part of the bridge is likely to occur" and "how to estimate the internal deformation from the surface condition". You can also learn the changes caused by various causes such as salt damage and neutralization at the same time.
Furthermore, it is possible to observe while comparing the changes at each stage, such as the early, middle, and final stages, which are difficult to see at the same time on site. This makes it easier to determine at what stage the deformation is during an actual on-site inspection and facilitates the planning of repairs.

Kato: The first is the former Shibuegawa Bridge on the Hokuriku Expwy. You can see cracks in the floor slab and deterioration of concrete caused by the weight of traffic vehicles and salt damage for 35 years. There are no noticeable changes in the bridge girders, but you can learn about painting conditions and the characteristics of each member, which are important inspection items for steel bridges.
The second one is the former Nisue Bridge, which has been in service for 37 years as a bridge over the Hokuriku Expwy. When the bridge was bridged, surface protection was applied to prevent concrete from falling off and to prevent deterioration, but the vertical cracks found when this surface protection was removed can be seen. In addition, slice-cut cross sections are also installed in the facility, so you can observe the internal conditions.
The third one is the former Kotogawa Bridge, which was bridged over the Kotogawa River in Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture for 74 years. In this bridge, we can also see a case where the cross-section restoration area has deteriorated again due to the progress of salt damage. You can also learn about the deformation of steel materials that are rarely used today, which can be useful for inspecting old bridges.
The last is the old Nishibiwajima pedestrian bridge, which is the oldest pedestrian bridge in Japan. There is no major change, but deterioration over time can be seen.
In addition, we also use various deteriorated samples such as the broken members of the cable of the suspension bridge as teaching materials.

Technical level and positioning of each course (image)

Kato: Training items include reinforcing bar survey, cavity survey, fatigue crack survey of steel, crack width measurement with crack gauge, estimated strength measurement of concrete, coating thickness measurement of steel bridge, inspection of invisible part, depth of neutralization There are measurements etc.
In cooperation with Nagoya University, we also provide training for general engineers and students. Training courses are prepared according to the number of years of experience and the level of each technician. Currently, we are conducting a "basic course" that even inexperienced people can take, and an "inspection inspection course" for those who actually perform inspection work on site, but we will evaluate the deformation and make a repair / reinforcement plan A "diagnosis evaluation course" for technicians who will make plans will be held in the future.
In addition, for those who are busy with work and cannot receive all training due to time constraints, we also offer a "tailor-made training" in which the curriculum is partly replaced and the training is carried out in a short period.

Kato: We take a questionnaire for all the participants. Among them, there are many voices such as "I was able to see many deteriorations at the same time, which made me very studying" and "Inspection work on site became clearer and easier to judge". . In addition, some say, “I was able to re-recognize the importance of inspection” and “I increased my knowledge about safety by improving my knowledge”.
We also saw people from various occupations exchanging information during the training, using their experiences as examples. By listening to people from different positions, I can see the work of inspection from a different angle, and I think that those experiences will be useful for future work.

Kato: This is a training facility that was opened in May of this year, and its main feature is that you can conduct practical training in a form that is similar to the actual site. For example, we have installed the same types of electrical equipment and tunnel emergency equipment that are used on Expressway to allow for simulated training. By directly touching the equipment actually used in the field, you can learn the inspection procedure and method, and recovery work in case of outage. In addition, we also have facilities for learning civil engineering and inspection technology by installing expansion and contraction equipment for bridges and a sound hammer inspection practical panel.
In addition, when actually inspecting in a tunnel, it is dangerous work because passing vehicles pass nearby because it is done in a narrow surveillance passage or traffic regulation, but with E-MAC, it is a half of the tunnel indoors. We made it possible to safely learn tunnel lighting equipment maintenance inspection, tunnel emergency equipment maintenance inspection, tunnel emergency equipment operation training and measurement training with water spray equipment inspection vehicle while making the situation as close to the site as possible. I will.

Kato: E-MAC has a corner called "Safety Culture Fostering School" so that we can gather together to foster a safety culture and take root as a corporate culture so that we can learn and learn together. Here, we are working to raise safety awareness by viewing past accident case videos and the voices of people who have experienced the accident.
At E-MAC, including the Safety Culture Development School, not only technical employees but also clerical employees will take courses to develop awareness of safety.

Kato: “Because the training can be done using actual equipment rather than using paper materials for training, it has become possible to work smoothly on site,” “to avoid danger by learning past cases I have become aware of the point, and I have become more aware of safety. "

Kato: The candid impression is that "teaching" is really difficult. One boss advised me to study three times more than others to teach people, and I think that's true. Nowadays, I am motivated myself to study more and think not only about knowledge but also on how to communicate in an easy-to-understand manner every day.