Clarifying the impact of strong winds on buildings to help with disaster prevention and future living
Professor Eriko Tomokiyo
Division of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology
Kyushu is a region that frequently experiences damage from strong winds, such as typhoons. In recent years, such damage has spread across the country. Prof. Eriko Tomokiyo is conducting research on the relationship between strong winds and building damage. Through simulations of where and what kind of winds occur, she is working to clarify the structural features of buildings that are resistant to wind and the wind-resistant measures for homes. We interviewed Professor Tomokiyo about her research.
By designing the building structures to prevent damage from strong winds, we can also contribute to disaster prevention measures.
What kind of research are you doing?
My research focuses on the effects of strong winds on buildings. I look at what kind of damage strong winds caused by typhoons and tornadoes can do to buildings and what structural measures can be taken to prevent such damage.
In my research, I often go to areas where typhoons and tornadoes have actually occurred to see where and how the damage occurred. Recently, I went to Miyazaki when Typhoon No. 10 (Shanshan) hit the area. By analyzing the damage, such as where roofs were blown off and aging walls were broken, we can consider how to make the structure more resistant to breakage. At the same time, we are taking the opportunity to inform residents about what they can do as individuals to cope with the situation.
Photo: An image mapping the areas affected by strong winds
Recently, news reports such as “strong winds are expected” are becoming more widely known earlier than before. I think that people are now well aware and taking measures such as not leaving things outside that might be blown away by the wind, and closing the stutters.
However, typhoons are becoming larger in scale, and there are also more cases of them taking paths that have never been seen before. Typhoons that used to often come to Kyushu are now more likely to make landfall in Kinki or Kanto areas. The direction and strength of the wind will change depending on where the damage occurs, so we need to be careful and keep a close eye on it.
Thinking about the things I don’t understand
Research into buildings and strong winds that began with a sense of fun
What made you start researching wind and buildings?
The professor in the research lab I joined as a student focused on the theme of “wind and vibration.” While I had always been interested in architecture and the ways people live, the studies I did in high school and university were entirely different, and I found that exploring things I didn’t understand was a truly fascinating experience.
At that time, I was introduced to the filed of wind dynamics. I found it interesting that “invisible wind has a significant impact on buildings”, and I enjoyed thinking, researching and experimenting on my own even after joining the laboratory.
When I started my research in the 1990s, specifically in 1991, 1999 and 2004, Kumamoto experienced significant typhoon damage. I got to go on a lot of field investigations, and thanks to the collaboration between Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. and my professor, I was able to use Kyushu Electric Power’s wind observation system. This was very helpful for me to be able to do field research while seeing a lot of the wind conditions and damage in Kyushu.
Even though simulation technologies are advancing, are there still many things we don’t understand?
Even with similar wind strengths, slight differences in surrounding terrain and atmospheric temperature can make it difficult to predict where and how strong the wind will be. For example, in the damage caused by Typhoon No. 23 (Tokage) in 2004, which struck Saga, one particular town far from the typhoon’s center suffered significant damage.
Photo: A large wind tunnel. A topographical model is placed in the transparent box and wind is blown through it.
Currently, we are working on developing a wind tunnel capable of replicating changes in wind direction. In the existing wind tunnel, the wind only blows in one direction. In reality, however, both the wind speed and direction change, as in the case of typhoon. It is very challenging to reproduce actual conditions, but we are hopeful that achieving this will help us uncover many new insights.
Photo: A wind tunnel that can observe changes in wind direction and speed that Prof. Tomokiyo is currently testing
I want students to know how fascinating it is to explore the unknown!
What kind of research would you like to do in the future?At the moment, my research focuses mainly on areas close to the ground where people live, but I believe that in the future, the focus will shift slightly higher above the ground. As flying cars and drone-based transportation become more common, it will be very important to understand the airflow just above urban areas. One of my research themes will be figuring out how to study these airflows. I'd like to be able to simulate it using experiments and other methods.
Please give a message to the students.
I want the undergraduate students to understand why things are done a certain way, and to know the ideas behind the design formulas, so that they can become people who can think for themselves and create buildings. Simply knowing how to solve problems is not enough. I want them to know the joy of thinking for themselves and investigating the things they don’t understand.
For students in my lab, I want them to think about how to come to their own conclusions, and to experience the joy of seeking answers independently. Personally, I find it fascinating to explore the unknown, and I hope they will come to appreciate the thrill of conducting research where they uncover their own answers.
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