What is an easier construction method than protecting slopes with concrete?

日本は国土の７０％を山岳地帯が占めることから、法面工事が様々な場所で行われています。

中でも「法面保護工事」は重要です。崩壊を防ぐためにコンクリートを用いて堅固に作られるのが一般的で、コンクリートは法面の敵である雨水の浸透を防ぎ、崩壊を食い止めます。

However, concrete also has disadvantages, such as the need for heavy machinery during construction, susceptibility to deterioration from ultraviolet rays, and high cost. In this issue, we will introduce “concrete canvas,” a newly developed material that overcomes these disadvantages of concrete.

Slope Disasters

One of the most prominent examples of slope failures is on highways, which are always in the news during the rainy season and typhoon season.

In recent years, there was a case where the slope collapsed several tens of meters wide and 20 meters long, requiring more than one month for restoration.

Asahi Shimbun Digital “Nishi-Kyushu Expressway, slope collapses 120 meters, Saga”
https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASLB13QFWLB1TIPE00Q.html

One of the possible causes of slope collapse is the fragility of the ground. Boring investigations are conducted during highway construction and rehabilitation projects, and sometimes noticeably weak ground is found on adjacent slopes. In such cases, emergency measures such as fill or drainage borings are taken, often delaying the construction schedule.

Strict slope protection work is still required afterwards to prevent slope collapse.

Related information: Download Slope Protection Resources

Slope protection work

法面とは狭義には、切取りまたは盛土によってつくられた人工的傾斜面のことです。
（広義には自然傾斜面を含むこともあります。ここではこの狭義の法面を扱います。）

法面は基本的に脆弱性を持っています。特に雨に弱く、流水による侵食だけではなく、水が入り込むことで土が軟らかく不安定になります。雨の内部への浸透によって法面は崩れやすくなります。

そのため、法面では水を逃がすための水路を別途設けねばならない場合があります。特に斜面を切取る場合は必要度が高くなります。そして、この水路についても、補強を行う必要があります。

Even when embankments are piled up, they are still vulnerable, and even when sandbags are piled up, they generally last at most three years and must be replaced each time they are used.

Related information: Download Slope Protection Resources

What is a concrete canvas utilizing special technology?

「コンクリートキャンバス」は、コンクリートとキャンバス(布地)の複合材料で、水分を加えると硬化します。法面保護においてよく活用される吹付系と被覆系の利点を兼ね備えた資材と言えます。

コンクリートキャンバスは、人力での持ち運びが可能ですので、重機の運搬が難しい場所において施工を容易にします。重機の運搬が難しくなく場所でも重機手配のコストを削減することができます。

また、英国にて特殊な技術を用いた繊維を使用しておりますので、細かな形状の微調整や、切断もできるため、きめ細かな作業が必要なエリアにおいても活躍します。

For more detailed information, please see the article ” What is an Effective Concrete Canvas for Slope Protection?

summary

Concrete canvas, a new innovation in slope construction, is easy to use, low cost, and its durability keeps maintenance costs down after construction.

We have already had cases of introduction by the Self-Defense Forces and local governments, so please visit our official website for more information.

Create thin, highly durable, watertight, and fire-resistant concrete surfaces by simply applying water .
“Concrete Canvas” (official website)