Implementing structural measures to reduce the risk of road damage
After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the main highways and roads to the affected areas were back up and running within weeks, which greatly expedited relief and recovery operations. This was largely due to robust structural measures, in conjunction with efficient recovery work by public services. In contrast, it took over 1 and a half years for the highway to be reconstructed after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995.
- Financial resources and will to invest in structural resources.
- Technological and engineering capacity to implement large-scale structural measures.
- Structural measures reduce the risk of road damage due to geohazards, reduce road maintenance costs, ensure connectivity during and after disasters, and contribute to the speedy recovery of a road after geohazard events.
- Bio-engineering and other types of structural measures can be implemented during the road construction, operation and maintenance stages.
- A thorough assessment of geographical, geological, geotechnical, hydrological, and hydraulic conditions are essential for the effective design of structural measures.