Research
Introduction to Environmental and Hydraulic Engineering Lab
We conduct research on environmental hydraulics to understand the natural phenomena and thereby develop the technologies for human well-being.
In coastal region, 1) the effect of combination of sea embankment and coastal forest on tsunami reduction, 2) to clarify the reality of the secondary disaster due to drift woods, 3) to propose suitable urban structures for tsunami disaster prevention and 4) to propose a relaxation method for various disturbances acting on the lagoon environment.
Studies on river hydraulics are divided into three regions. They are down, middle, and upstream based upon the characteristics of geographic, hydraulic and environmental conditions of the river. The research in the downstream region: prevention method of bank erosion due to waves induced by ships; in the middle stream region: the management method of river channel and vegetation planning in rivers and its relation to flood characteristics and growth dynamics of river vegetation; in the upstream region: especially the characteristics of the river channel under the dam structure, the relationship between the characteristics of the river bed material and diversity of invertebrates in the low channel are conducted.
Integration of the studies conducted in our lab.
Research on tsunami
Numerical simulation of the tsunami propagation into the Abukumagawa River at the Tohoku region.
Field investigation at the Tohoku region after the 2011 Great East Japan tsunami |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Stream ecosystem of low flow channel, Invertebrate
One of the important problems of the river and stream management is the degradation of habitat and ecosystem in the downstream of dam reservoirs. As countermeasures, sand supply into the down stream of dams is proposed recently. However, still there are unsolved problems remained such as identifying the relationship between disturbance and aquatic ecosystems. In addition, the behavior of invertebrates under different environmental stresses related to river and stream ecosystems is explored.
| <Field survey to observe the effects of sand supply on the bed material, and invertebrate> Field observation |
|
 |
 |
| <Laboratory experiments to investigate the relationship between invertebrate behavoir (Isonichia japonica) and ambient flow conditions> Tolerance pose for avoiding wash out |
|
 |
 |
| Evacuation of I. japonica to refugia and PIV measurements |
|
 |
 |
Research on forestation in rivers
Evaluation of forestation in a river using the "Breakage or Overturning Index (BOI)", "Wash-Out Index (WOI)" and "Sediment Load change Index (SLI)" at a flood event.
The elucidation of the relationship between the actual vegetation condition on the gravel bar and sediment deposition situation using "SLI".
Development of growth dynamic model in the river channel considering destruction, expansion, re-growth, and succession of vegetation
(Figures below show some results of the developed growth dynamic model which applied to the Arakawa River)
Research on ship induced waves
ship waves (waves generated by a navigating ship)
|
Bank erosion around the vegetated area due to ship waves in the Arakwa River
|
Numerical simulation of ship waves
|
Field investigation regarding wave attenuation due to mangrove forests in Vietnam
|
Tropical coastal lagoons and mangroves
We are conducting collaborative research related to tropical lagoon hydrology and hydraulics and mangrove dynamics with the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka.
Outfall of Koggala lagoon
|
Various shape of mangrove propagules
|
Diagrammatic presentation of salinity stratification of Koggala lagoon
Information for prospective students
There are opportunities for students from oversees to join our lab and carry out research in environmental hydraulics including river engineering, coastal engineering, and other related specific fields introduced in our website. The International Graduate Program on Civil and Environmental Engineering at Saitama University is a research-oriented postgraduate course that offers master and doctoral degrees in the medium of English. Financial aid for international students is also available.
For detailed information about the International Graduate Program, please visit the program's website.
International Graduate Program on Civil and Environmental Engineering, Saitama University