In order for us to achieve a sustainable society, it is desirable to reduce the usage of natural resources and cut CO2 emissions when new structures (mainly concrete ones) are built. In addition, it is necessary to improve the performance of such structures and extend their usable lifespans, to increase the safety margin for their time-induced deterioration and ability to withstand natural disasters.

One possible action to achieve these objectives is to utilize recycled materials (various slag aggregates, blast-furnace slag fine powder, fly ash, etc.), which is a clear and effective approach. However, there are few instances where such approach is taken. Reasons why such action is not taken often enough include the fact that performance requirements, especially of structures made of non-reinforced concrete (i.e., blocks, superstructures of breakwaters, etc.), are not clearly defined, and also a lack of any established method for evaluating their long-term durability, etc.

In addition, greater use of more environment-friendly construction materials is desirable to reduce the negative environmental impacts. However, few research projects have studied the environmental compatibility of various materials.

To solve this problem, we will mainly tackle the following tasks.

Multifactor evaluation of concrete performance involving recycled materials (workability, durability, etc.)

Organization of information on the performance requirements of concrete structures to be built at ports and harbors (mainly focusing on non-reinforced concrete) and formulation of a method for evaluating their long-term durability.

Evaluation of environment-friendly materials (especially recycled materials) (While most previous studies focused on evaluating durability, we will adopt a more comprehensive approach that also considers environmentally negative effects (CO2 emissions, etc.).)