The Role and Future Prospect of Japan Concrete Institute
The Japan Concrete Institute is the one and only organization in our nation, which contributes to the advancement of society through supporting development and progress of studies and technologies related to concrete engineering in the fields of civil engineering and architecture, as well as supporting improvement of the quality of professional engineers. The Japan Concrete Institute was first established in 1965 as the Japan National Council on Concrete, and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015. Since its establishment in 1965, the Institute has ever been on a road to progress, having changed its name to Japan Concrete Institute (incorporated association) in 1975, and becoming a public interest incorporated association in 2011. Through these years, the Institute has established a certification system for concrete engineers, and has played a major role in infrastructure development by sending out many excellent authorized Concrete Engineers, Chief Concrete Engineers, and Concrete Diagnosis and Maintenance Engineers, into the world.
The Japan Concrete Institute provides a rich variety of opportunities in introducing the newest research outcomes and technical information. The academic journal'Concrete Journal', is published on a monthly basis. The 'Concrete Research and Technology' (Japanese) and 'Journal of Advanced Concrete Technology' (English) are published online, and the latter has gained international prominence over the recent years. Every year since 1979, the Institute has been hosting the JCI Annual Convention, which runs for 3 days. In the Convention, the latest research developments are presented, and seminars introducing technologies and researches for the production of better concrete, are held. Another feature of the Convention, is the 'Concrete Techno Plaza', where various enterprises in the concrete manufacturing industry come together, and exhibit their newest technologies and products.
At the Japan Concrete Institute, there are over 20 standing committees under the Research Committee, Committee for Concrete Technology, and Standards Committee. These committees are actively engaged in the development of studies and technologies in the field of concrete engineering. Special committees working directly under the President are set up to deal with social issues of especially high urgency.
Currently in Japan, restoration from the East Japan Great Earthquake, countermeasures against anticipated earthquakes (the powerful inland earthquake expected to occur in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and the Nankai Trough Quake), and measures against the rapidly aging infrastructure, are the major social issues. At the Institute, the 'Special Committee for East Japan Great Earthquake' was established in 2011 to be active for 2 years, and an over 600-page report was put together through the efforts of the Committee's 100-plus dedicated members. Since 2013, in light of the lessons learned in the Great Earthquake, the 'Special Committee on Promoting the Use of Unused Resources in Concrete' which promotes a recycling-based society, and the 'Special Committee on Maintenance, Repair, and Strengthening of Existing Concrete Structures' which promotes a safer, more secure society, have begun their activities.
The Japan Concrete Institute is determined to use its best endeavors in hopes of realizing a sustainable society, despite the falling birth rate and the aging population. On behalf of the Japan Concrete Institute, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your continued understanding and cooperation for the Institute's activities.
Hirozo MIHASHI
26th President
Japan Concrete Institute
