Structural Control Technology: Historical Development and Recent Innovations

Haruhiko Kurino, Dr. Eng.

Executive Officer, Kajima Corporation

Director, Kajima Technical Research Institute

Monday, August 3 | 10:30 a.m. | 223 Jarvis Hall 

Structural control systems, which artificially regulate the response of buildings to earthquakes and strong winds, were first proposed in the 1960s by Professor Takuji Kobori of Kyoto University. Following his retirement from academia, Professor Kobori joined Kajima Corporation as Vice President. Since the 1980s, Kajima has been a pioneer in the research, development and practical implementation of structural control technologies, verifying their performance through extensive experimental and field studies. 

This presentation reviews the historical development of structural control technologies and introduces three representative innovations: high-efficiency oil dampers with energy recovery system, Tuned Mass Dampers (TMDs) designed for severe earthquakes and innovative structural systems utilizing a large-mass TMV concept. 

Dr. Haruhiko Kurino received his PhD in engineering from the university of Tokyo in 2004 for his research on structural control technology. He has led R&D activities in this field at Kajima Corporation while also contributing to the dynamic design of high-rise buildings and other critical structures, as well as the development of advanced structural analysis software. Dr. Kurino has played a leading role in the development of many of Kajima’s principal structural control technologies. 

Characterized by originality, practicality, durability and adaptabilities, these technologies have been implemented in numerous buildings and structures, with their effectiveness demonstrated through both experimental studies and observations.