The fire-resistant and non-combustible polymer cement mortar repair material "EPC Fireproof Mortar" has achieved a cumulative construction area of approximately 30,000 m² since its development and sales began in July 2018, following repeated applications in contracted construction projects. (This figure is calculated based on the total amount used divided by the usage per square meter [conversion value based on a repair thickness of 10 mm].) Some polymer cement mortars for concrete repair available in the market did not meet the performance requirements during a fire. In response to this background, our company developed a polymer cement mortar with excellent fire resistance while maintaining adhesion performance and durability. EPC Fireproof Mortar is suitable for repairing insufficient cover thickness and cross-sectional defects in RC structures, and it possesses fire resistance and material performance that comply with building codes. Additionally, this product has obtained non-combustible material certification and conforms to various repair material guidelines, making it usable for both new construction and renovations.

In the seismic retrofitting of steel frame buildings, we have developed the "Adjoint Method," which involves bonding reinforcement members to existing H-shaped steel and existing square steel pipes using epoxy resin adhesive. The Adjoint Method is a new joining technique that completely eliminates on-site welding work through a unique adhesive bonding system. By removing the need for welding, the fire risk is reduced, and associated tasks such as complicated fire protection measures and checking for residual flames can be omitted. This significantly improves the construction period and flexibility of the work. In particular, it enables safe and efficient construction in facilities such as factories and warehouses that handle flammable materials, where seismic retrofitting was previously difficult due to fire risks. Additionally, it can accommodate construction during limited hours, such as at night or on holidays, allowing for renovation work to be carried out with minimal disruption to facility operations. 【Features】 - No need for strict fire protection measures since on-site welding is not used. - No bolt holes are made in existing members, preventing cross-sectional loss (minimal hole drilling is required when bonding to the side of square steel pipes). - Since no tensile forces occur at the adhesive joint, high adhesive strength in the shear direction can be expected.

Our company leverages the know-how of the renovation technology we have cultivated to provide renovation solutions aimed at solving issues in factories and warehouses. In the renovation of steel-framed factories and warehouses, it is essential to consider not only the aging of the buildings but also the production lines and equipment piping that have been in use for many years. Additionally, since the functions of factories and warehouses vary by facility, the required performance also differs, making it important to develop an optimal renovation plan tailored to each facility. Our company responds with a consistent system from investigation and design to construction, delivering high-quality renovation solutions that meet our customers' objectives, such as ensuring safety and changing usage.

Our infrared technology (including drone-mounted systems), "CONS-FINDER SKY," has received technical evaluation based on the periodic inspection methods and judgment criteria stipulated in Article 12, Paragraph 1 of the Building Standards Act, as evaluated by the Architectural Disaster Prevention Association of Japan. The method has been recognized as equivalent to those indicated in the announcements by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Constech Co., Ltd. participated in the NEDO project in 2020 titled "Development of Digital Technology for Refining Regulations / Technical Development Related to Periodic Inspections of Building Exteriors Utilizing Drones." Since then, we have accumulated knowledge for accurate inspection results and safe flight by utilizing exterior wall inspection technology that combines drones and infrared devices. In 2021, we developed CONS-FINDER-SKY, which employs drones to improve accessibility for inspecting the upper floors of mid- to high-rise buildings using infrared device methods. Recently, we received evaluation from the Architectural Disaster Prevention Association of Japan for this technology, allowing us to operate it as a method equivalent to that of conventional inspections.

Our company, in collaboration with the National University Corporation Toyohashi University of Technology (Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture / Acting President Akihiro Wakahara), has developed a non-welding method called "SpS (Steel-pipe Sandwiched) Method" for seismic retrofitting of steel-framed buildings, which joins existing circular steel pipe members (hereinafter referred to as existing pipes) with newly installed members using epoxy resin adhesive. By using the SpS method to join the new members, on-site welding is eliminated, significantly reducing the risk of fire during construction. Furthermore, the need for cumbersome fire protection measures and checking for residual flames is also eliminated, increasing the flexibility of the construction schedule and potentially allowing for a significant reduction in on-site working hours depending on the conditions. This method is particularly suitable for facilities that prohibit open flames, such as those handling flammable materials or products, as well as factories and warehouses where construction is required to be completed in short time frames, such as during nights or holidays. The SpS method achieves a balance between safety and efficiency in construction.

Our company has developed the "C-VaRTM method" for reinforcing brace joints in steel structures and for repairing/reinforcing steel components, applying the carbon fiber repair/reinforcement technology "on-site VaRTM" developed by Toray Industries, Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Mitsuo Oya, hereinafter referred to as "Toray"). By appropriately proposing the C-VaRTM method for the repair/reinforcement of steel components, we aim to contribute to the longevity of structures and the maintenance of a safe social environment. The C-VaRTM method is a repair/reinforcement technology that applies the on-site VaRTM method, which involves placing specially processed carbon fiber sheets over the surface of the repair/reinforcement area, sealing it with a film, and injecting resin under vacuum conditions created by a vacuum pump, allowing the resin to impregnate the carbon fiber due to atmospheric pressure. By combining it with CFRP molded plates and other materials, it enables repair/reinforcement for a variety of applications. *: The method called VaRTM (Vacuum assisted Resin Transfer Molding) is applied to adhere CFRP to steel materials, restoring them to the required strength.

Our company is conducting joint research and development on "Evaluation technology for rebar corrosion in concrete using sub-terahertz waves" in collaboration with Shibaura Institute of Technology and Tohoku University Graduate School of Engineering. - What are sub-terahertz waves? Sub-terahertz waves are electromagnetic waves in the frequency range of approximately 10GHz to 300GHz (0.01THz to 0.3THz). Similar to terahertz waves, they have high permeability to non-polar substances like concrete, are absorbed by polar substances such as water, and exhibit high reflectivity towards metals. We have developed a technology to evaluate the condition of rebar in concrete by utilizing the characteristics of these sub-terahertz waves. 【Image above: Example output of corrosion degree evaluation】 〇 Efforts towards structural measurement We are constructing portable measurement devices (for close-range and remote evaluation) that can be applied to actual structures. 【Image below: Example of a device under development (photo shows a camera applied to the detector)】 We will continue to conduct experiments assuming measurements on actual structures using sub-terahertz technology, working towards establishing it as a useful measurement technique for preventive maintenance and extending lifespan.

This time, the National Research and Development Agency, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), has publicly solicited research and development on "Digital Technology Development for the Refinement of Regulations / Technical Development Related to Regular Inspections of Building Exteriors Using Drones," and we will conduct research and development as the responsible business entity, together with Kobe University and Japan Avionics, focusing on the development of an infrared device for exterior wall inspections that can be mounted on drones. We will develop infrared devices that improve the accuracy of exterior wall inspections, and by mounting them on drones, we will conduct comparative verification with inspections using test hammers and other remote diagnostic methods under various conditions, including changes to the conditions of buildings and inspection environments.

Our construction method, the "Constec AG Bubble System," obtained construction technology certification from the Japan Architecture Center (a public interest incorporated foundation) in March 2020. As a leading company in technology, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to the development of unique technologies and contribute to "creating a happy environment."