Nov 2020 No.90
Japanese Infrastructure Newsletter

IDI

QUARTERLY
Infrastructure

Development

Institute—JAPANCONTENTS
Mobile Mapping System 【IMS3】

2

22nd Infrastructure Technology Development Award 2020
Liquefaction Countermeasure for Existing Residential Areas

Infrastructure Development Institute – Japan (IDI)
Plaza Edogawa-bashi 3F. 1-23-6, Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-0014, JAPAN
Tel: +81-3-5227-4107 Fax: +81-3-5227-4109 E-Mail: idi17@idi.or.jp Website: http://www.idi.or.jp/en/

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Infrastructure Development Institute - Japan

Mobile Mapping System 【IMS3】
Simplify maintaining road facilities by a small-scale 360-degree camera IMS3
1.Introduction
Teikoku INC. is a Japanese survey andcivil consulting company, which started as asmall survey company in 1954, located in Gifu
prefecture. We have been assisting the local
government by surveying, measuring anddesigning infrastructure at the district longterm. In 2013 we have entered a new frontier;expanding our business to the capital, Tokyoand overseas. Additionally we have been
recently developing a new survey technology
called the Mobile Mapping System (MMS). Our
new goal is to become a global consulting
company recognized both for its excellence ofservices and social contributions.
2. Outline of Mobile Mapping System(MMS)(1) Outline of MMS
The MMS automatically acquires 3D
coordinate data and image data of various
structures such as roads, surrounding buildings,
signs and guard rails using mounting cameras,
3D scanners, and a GPS on automobiles. Thissystem is mainly used for the maintenance ofroad equipment, road facility surveys, and roaddamage surveys.
(2) The MMS
The MMS is mainly categorized into
two types depending on different surveying
mechanisms ; the Photographic Surveying
system and the Laser Surveying system.
Our company provides a photographic
surveying system called the【IMS3】.
IMS3 can carry out the measurement of terrain
and objects through a 360 degree video after
analyzing and processing photographic data.
The table below compares and evaluates the
IMS3 system in comparison with the laser
surveying system.

Table-1 Comparing the laser surveying systemwith ISM3
Laser Surveying
systemIMS3

Laser System
DevicePanorama Camera

A Collection of
the Point Group
Data

Wide and Detailed
Photographs

US$ 810,000

US$ 243,000

Appearance

Output

Total
Price
of
the
SystemSurveyAccuracy

Image
Data

Date
AmountRequirements forPC

*Rate 123.53yen Sep 2020

HigherAverageColored Point Cloud
data

High precision image
data

Larger(Point Cloud Data
+Photographic Data)

Smaller(Photogaraphic Data)

Needs higher
processing capability

Needs lower processing
capability2Infrastructure Development Institute - Japan[Pros of IMS3]➢
The IMS3 system is more affordable than its
comparative product (only costing about 33% of
the price of the laser surveying system)➢ A high-precision measurement and image data canbe acquired➢ It is possible to directly take measurements on theimage; this operation can be performed easily.
➢ Due to its data amount being smaller than the laser
system, data will be processed fast, making iteasier to manage➢ Since the amount of data is small, PC
specifications can be supported at the low end.
3. Features of IMS3
(1) Overview of IMS3
This system contains two 360-degree
cameras and a GPS receiver placed on thevehicle, simultaneously shooting all the roadstructures while driving (approximately 50 km/ h). The photographed images are subjected toan image analysis, processed using a dedicatedsoftware, and the data of road structures areadded to the video database. During thisprocess, the images are converted to a threedimensional video, and its size can be measured
instantly.
Moreover, it can be linked with map information
allowing a detailed position of the structures tobe specified. Additional information of theequipment can be attached to a detailed roadmanagement database that contains video andtext data.

information of the car can be obtained from the
GNSS, and the PC and hard disks are used forrecording the video data.

Figure-2 Composition of IMS3

(3) Main features of IMS3
1) IMS3 has a very simple composition and canbe equipped to various vehicles.
2) The cameras, sensors, and other parts (ofIMS3) can be easily dismantled and assembled.
This makes it convenient to protect these parts
when the vehicle travels far distance.
3) High precision data can be obtained from the
GNSS data. Measurements can be taken whilethe vehicle is moving, which can save much
more time in comparison to traditional
surveying work. The moving mapping system(MMS) secures safety during the surveying
process.
4) Structures can be identified from any angle
using the 360-degree video processed by thesoftware.
Due to the lack of any dead angles, this video
can be utilized for 3D measurements.
5) It can connect to GIS; the 360-degree video
can be applied widely to various systems orapplications.
Main Features of IMS3
Extremely simple composition

Figure-1 IMS3 filming its surroundings

Easily equipped on the vehicle
Efficiently proceeds surveying(2) Composition of IMS3
IMS3 consists of two Ladybug3
cameras, one accelerometer, one GNSS, one PC,
and two hard disks. Each Ladybug 3 camera can
photograph 16 frames of the surroundings per
second. To compensate the vertical position,
acceleration in XYZ-axis can be measured by anaccelerometer. The geographic coordinate

Detects objects from various angles
Direct measurement of roadfacilities on the PC Screen
360-degree video connecting to GIS

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Infrastructure Development Institute - Japan
4. Anticipated Results

The image data of road facilities
captured by the IMS3 system simplifies theprocess of maintaining and managing them.
This is because the system eliminates the needto carry out a careful inspection andmeasurement of the road structures on site.
This data can be utilized by many users throughits combination with various applications, suchas GIS.
Examples of how to use this image data isprovided below.
(1) Road maintenance and management
IMS3 can be utilized for roadmaintenance, management, and inspection.
For example, by using the software, the video
data of the roads can be used to measure thesize of roads and structures and to inspect thepavement condition of roads.

Structure measurement(2) Road Disaster Prevention system
This system can capture thesurroundings of the road in detail.
Topographical features can be extracted fromthe captured image. For example, thedimensions of the slope protection work and its
deterioration
statuscanbeobtained.
Furthermore, if the photograph indicates that
there is a possibility of a landslide, it is possible
to predict its scale. Using this feature, IMS3 canalso be applied to disaster prevention
inspections.

Slope Protection Management

Figure-5 Measurement of Slope Protection

Possiblelandslide

LandslidehazardFigure-3 Measurement of slope on PC Screen

Figure-6 Grasping the size of Possible LandslideRoad width measurement(3) Connecting with GIS
IMS3 can be linked to a GIS(Geographic Information System). Whenselecting any object in the system, the GIS willreflect its location. If the user makes marks on
the screen within the system, the mark will bereflected in the GIS as well.

Figure-4 Measurement of Road width on PC Screen

Cracks in pavement
Figure-7 Connecting with GIS
Figure-4 Pavement Cracks on PC Screen

4Infrastructure Development Institute - Japan(4)Landscape Simulation
ISM3 also has a feature that provides
a landscape simulation after repair, which cancontribute to the development a detailed roadrepair plan. This feature enables adding 3D CG
models to the captured screen, making it usefulto present the anticipated results to clients.

Figure-8 Landscale Simulation
Figure-8 Landscape Simulation(5) Further applications
It is possible to attach IMS3 to any
moving vehicle. For example, it can be mounted
on a boat. This way, river bulkheads, bridgepiers and other objects, which are difficult to
identify from land, can be filmed easily. It canalso film videos by being mounted on a cart, or
moved by a personnel. This will allow to film
places where vehicles are prohibited inside;
such as theme parks.

Figure-9

5. Conclusion
We believe that Teikoku's IMS3 system
can be extremely useful for collecting andorganizing data for the maintenance of roadfacilities. This system can be utilized without
going to the site by saving the photographs of allroad facilities, structures, and trees along theroad in a PC. In addition, if the road manager
identifies damage on the road facilities during
usage, the location information of the roadfacility can be shared immediately.
Teikoku hopes that many roadmanagers will use this system as its key
characteristic lies on its simplicity and usability.
We plan to actively work together with roadmanagers overseas to contribute to an efficientmanagement and maintenance of road facilities.
In conclusion of this article, we would like toexpress our deepest gratitude for thisopportunity.
【CONTACT INFORMATION】
TEIKOKU INC.
Business Development Department
Tokyo Branch
Executive Officer General Manager
YUICHI NISHIZONOEMAIL: nishizon430@gmail.com
TEL: +81-80-7009-5422
HP: http://www.teikoku-eng.co.jp/English/top.html

IMS3 attached on a boat and cart5

22nd Infrastructure Technology Development Award 2020
Japan

InstituteofCountry-ology

andAs a result of examination, institutes andEngineering (JICE) was established as a publicresearchers with the following technologies wereinterest corporation to promote construction

awarded 22nd prizes.

engineering in Japan by conducting cutting-edge
research and development activities.

The

grand

prize

is

“

Liquefaction

Countermeasure for Existing Residential Areas”.
As more incentives should be provided for

And the two excellence prizes are “ Steelandtimbering erecting robot”,and“EDUCATIONAL

research institutes to enhance the level of

SYSTEM FOR CLOSE VISUAL INSPECTION

construction engineering more effectively, JICE

OF FATIGUE FAILURE IN STEEL BRIDGES”.

constructioncommenced

technology

researchers

Infrastructure

Technology

Development Award with Coastal Development

The grand prize is introduced below.

Institute of Technology (CDIT) under the
auspices of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure,
Transport and Tourism(MLIT).

Any inquiries/ comments please contact to JICE :Homepage: http://www.jice.or.jp/

forty technologies competed for the 22nd
Infrastructure Technology Development Award.

(Japanese version only)
E-Mail: webmaster@jice.or.jp

In principle, the applicants’ technologies shouldhave been developed within the past five years andapplied to the real sites already.

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Infrastructure Development Institute - Japan

Liquefaction Countermeasure for Existing Residential Areas
Liquefaction Countermeasure by surrounding the Housing Plot with Improved-Soil-Walls, allowing continued daily living

1. Background Information
In 2011 the Great TOHOKU Earthquake caused
serious liquefaction disasters in many residential
areas, including URAYASU city. (Photo-1) The
liquefaction disasters triggered the need for
implementing permanent ground stabilization,
which can be applied to built-up residential areas.
Since large machines are used, conventionalliquefaction countermeasures can only beapplicable to wide open areas with no existinghouses. If the conventional method was to be used
for built-up residential areas, houses had to be
demolished/moved to provide space for improving
the soil underneath. There are other soil
improvement methods, however they cannot be
used if the ground contains clay. To tackle thisproblem, our target became to create a newliquefaction countermeasure solution that iscompatible with the "clay and built-up area". This
new solution is to surround housing plots with
Improved-Soil-Walls, as shown in Fig.1.

Only the ground of the housing plot border isimproved, diminishing the need for the houses tobe removed. To create these improved-soil walls,
different methods for result-evaluation andconstruction in congested narrow spaces weredeveloped. These Liquefaction Countermeasuretechnologies are as follows:
1) A New design method using a new analysis
method, called the "Pseudo 3-Dimensional
F.E.M." It enables analyzing the 3D heavier ofthe improved-soil-walls as well as theuntouched soil confined by the soil-walls.
(Fig.2)2) The "ECOTITE" method, which stabilizes thesoil column using a high-pressure cement
mixing machine. (Fig.3) Since the machine isvery small, this method can easily be adapted
to narrow spaces. This method also enables
Box-shaped soil improvement.
3) The "SMART-COLUMN", a small machinethat mixes cement/soil mechanically inside theroads effectively. (Fig.4) This mixing machine
is more affordable compared to the highpressure cement mixing machine mentioned
above.

Photo-1: Residential Area Liquefaction caused by
the Great East Japan Earthquake

Fig.2 "Pseudo 3-D F.E.M." can analyze the behavior of
the improved-soil-wall and vicinity groundFig.1 Surround Housing Plot with Improved Soil Wall

2. Outline of Technology
As the world's first solution, our liquefaction
countermeasure allows clay improvement while
the residents continue to live in their own houses.

(a) Conventional machine(b) New "ECOTITE"

Fig.3 High-pressure Injection and Mixing machine7

Infrastructure Development Institute - Japan

increases.
2) The vibration caused by traffic is reduced
because the housing grounds are surroundedby the improved soil walls.

5. The Social Meaning and Future Developmentof Technology
This technology has proved that it will contributeto the betterment of future society by protecting
peoples' lives and assets against any liquefaction
disasters. There are many opportunities andpossibilities to apply this technology to foreign(a) Conventional machine (b) New "SMART-COLUMN"
Fig.4 Mechanical Mixing machine "SMART-COLUMN"

3. Dimensional Requirements
Our method can be executed under the following
conditions.
••

technology allows continuous usage of existing
facilities during operation, it can be used for
upgradingexisting

industrial

plant

yards,

container yard at ports, etc.

The length of boundary between housing plots mustbe less than 16 m•

countries that are prone to earthquakes. As thisThe exterior house wall-to-wall clearance must be

6. Application Record
This liquefaction countermeasure technology has

wider than 80 cm

been applied to four places in URAYASU, Chiba

There should be no unremovable undergroundobstruction wider than 1 m.

4. Effect of Technology
There are direct and indirect effects of the
Liquefaction
Countermeasuretechnologies.
Direct effects are as follows.
1) Liquefaction countermeasures can be
executed while the residents keep on living intheir own houses during the operation,2) The cost for ground improvement and sludge
removal is reduced by 28%, compared to theprice if the high-pressure-jet-mixing machine
was used for the whole road. This is enabled
by combining the "SMART-COLUMN"
mechanical mixing method with the "Boxshaped" high pressure jet mixing method.
3) The operation period for road improvement isshortened by 22%, using the same comparison
as above. Since traffic closure is reduced, thishelps maintaining the quality of daily life forresidents living nearby.
Indirect effects are as follows.
1) The land asset value increases. Because bothhousing plots and roads are improved, theinfrastructure reliability against earthquakes

prefecture, Japan from December 2016 to March
2019.
Table-1 Conventional Liquefaction Countermeasures andApplication Restrictions
Base

Category

Soil Compaction

Improve
Characteristicof Soil

Improve
External
Conditions
such asStress,Deformation,
Pore Water
Pressure

GroundHardening

In-situ
Soil
MixingChemicalInjection
Soil Replacement
Lowering Ground Water
Level
Drainage

Restriction

MachineSize

Exist.
Building
toRemain

Clay

Large

No

OK

Large

No

OK

Small

No

OK

Medium

OK

No

Large

No.

OK

Deep Well

Small

OK

No

Gravel Drain

Large

No

OK

Grid-pattern
GroundImprovement

Large

No

OK

Name of
MethodSand
Compaction
Pile
Mechanical
MixingHigh-Pressure
Jet Mixing
Permeation
Grouting
Replacement

Applicant:(1) TAKENAKA Civil Engineering &Construction Co., Ltd. (TCE), and(2) Chemical Grouting Co., Ltd. (CGC)
Technology Developer:
TCE: Takashi HIRAI, Kazuo KONISHI
CGC: Tsutomu TSUCHIYA
Joint Developer: TAKENAKA Corporation
E-mail: hirai-t@takenaka-doboku.co.jp

8About IDI and IDI-quarterly
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