The LRT System Two Construction Project for Kuala Lumpur is the first shield tunneling project in Malaysia

An important feature of Hazama's underground engineering know-how is the fact that it possesses not only advanced implementation technology, but also its own ground and bedrock surveying and analysis technology. Examples of this technology include rock-mass survey systems using elastic waves and electromagnetic waves; groundwater survey and analysis systems based on the monitoring of radon concentrations; aseismic analysis technology for rock caverns; and forward underground monitoring systems to analyze changes in ground conditions during shield tunneling projects. These survey and analysis methods play a vital role in the facility design and the development of safe, efficient project implementation techniques.

Comprehensive Underground Engineering Technology

The Okutataragi Underground Power Station has been constructed in a huge cavern dug in bedrock

Hazama's efforts to develop automated construction technology have brought significant improvements in the efficiency of underground engineering work. For example, Hazama has developed the New PLS Method for tunnel construction in urban areas. The method involves the use of a special cement formula developed by Hazama. This mixture is injected as the circumference of the tunnel is cut, creating a shell-shaped pre-lining to support soft soil.

Hazama is a leading developer of technology in the field of shield method tunneling, too. Notable successes include Hi-SDACS, which totally automates the shield tunneling process; the H&V Shield Method, which allows continuous modification of the vertical and horizontal orientation of twin tunnels; and the Two-Stage Shield Tunneling System, which combines small- and large-diameter shields to create a single system capable of accommodating changes in tunnel cross-sections.

Intensive Utilization of Underground Spaces

The new PLS Method has been introduced for tunneling construction projects in urban areas, including the Yokohama Shindo Highway

Hazama is currently building a 94,000-cubic-meter cavern at a depth of 200 meters for the Okutataragi Underground Power Station, which will be Japan's biggest pumping-up hydroelectric power complex. Various advanced underground engineering know-how has been employed on this massive project. One example of this advanced know-how is the efficient bedrock support technology using the Key-block theory.

There is likely to be increasing demand for the construction of large-scale underground structures and the reutilization of underground space in cities. Hazama's continuing efforts to develop new technology and build sophisticated underground spaces have already produced a number of solutions to social needs, including the "Geocycle" multilevel underground bicycle parking structure and the "Revolver," a multilevel parking system installed in underground tunnels.