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I started doing research on the ventilation system
of the Kanetsu road tunnel in 1979 when I joined Tokyo
Urban Tech University as professor. Since then for
25 years, I have been developing ventilation systems
of road tunnels, which cover both usual and emergency
operation.
Although France and other European countries began
studying measures when tunnel fires broke out one
after another recently and have ended up changing
them drastically, I basically don't think we need
to have another look at measures on fire disasters
in road tunnels in Japan since we carefully worked
out measures 25 years ago when we engaged in building
the Kanetsu tunnel. However, I have to confess that
I feel uneasy about many tunnels being around in Japan
that have not been discussed or considered on the
safety by committees or some other counterparts.
In this context, I came up with an idea to offer simulation
services of the road tunnel ventilation through the
Internet. This way, you can easily judge whether or
not the equipment for ventilation of a tunnel is capable
enough to cope with fires in it. I believe on the
Internet many people can easily make use of the expertise
and know-how that I have ever had for not only newly
built tunnels but also tunnels already opened to public.
Fortunately, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,
Science and Technology accepted this idea in 2002
and has been offering us subsidy from their project
titled "Aid for venture businesses out of universities".
We are planning to establish a venture enterprise
by the end of this fiscal year, which falls on the
final year of the above subsidy. It is our aim that
running this enterprise makes it possible for more
people in Japan and abroad to use these simulations
for ventilation through the Internet in order to plan,
design or maintain safer road tunnels.
To tell you the truth, I have engaged in research
and education in the university throughout my career.
I am not familiar with things in the business world.
I hope that your support and advice help me proceed
with this idea.
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