Earth Exploitation Environmental Studies

Faculty

Assoc. Prof.
Kiyotoshi Sakaguchi

Assist. Prof.
Tomoaki Satomi

Theme

1. Study on the use of CO₂ and the formation of crack system that suppresses induced earthquake for supercritical geothermal power generation
2. Study on establishing highly accurate prediction methods for the long- to ultra-long-term stability of medium- to large-scale underground structures
3. Study on secular changes in crustal stress caused by earthquake / the possibility of prediction them
4. Development of construction and mining systems using intelligent construction machinery
5. Development of technologies for green innovation in quarrying

Research contents

The research keywords in this field are "earth's crust and environment" and "intelligent machine and recycling". In the former, research is conducted with the main pillars of "geothermal energy," "crustal stress," and "earthquakes." Specifically, in the first pillar, "geothermal energy," research is conducted on the phenomenon of rock fracturing caused by ultra-low viscosity fluids in a wide range of geothermal environments for the purpose of constructing geothermal reservoirs in relation to power generation using supercritical geothermal resources, a new method of utilizing geothermal resources, and research is conducted on the formation of a highly permeable network fracture system using this phenomenon and CO₂ utilization/induced earthquake suppression type.
The second pillar, "crustal stress," is research aimed at establishing highly accurate prediction methods for the long- to ultra-long-term stability of medium- to large-scale underground structures, such as geological disposal of radioactive waste, underground CO₂ storage, and the ILC long tunnel.
The third pillar, "earthquakes," is research that explores the possibility of predicting secular variations in crustal stress caused by earthquakes, for example, by quantifying spatiotemporal variations in the absolute value of shallow crustal stress that can be used for engineering purposes and elucidating its mechanisms.
These three research pillars are not independent but are closely related to each other.

The latter is developing a "ground information construction and mining system" utilizing sensing technology such as working tools of machinery and onboard cameras based on a mechanical interaction between construction machinery and soil and rock. For example, we are developing methods for estimating the strength and properties of the ground during excavating or traveling to improve the productivity of disaster recovery works and construction works. We are also developing methods to estimate the grain size and shape of crushed rocks during scooping to achieve mining-full automation of crushed rocks, which are essential for transportation infrastructure and earth structures. Additionally, we are developing methods to utilize the dehydration cake and stone powder generated in the production process of crushed rocks as valuable materials for construction, etc.

Keywords

Geothermal Energy, Crustal Stress, Earthquake, Eco-Friendly System,
Construction Machinery, Machine Construction, Recycling

Web

https://web.tohoku.ac.jp/geomecha/ (Sakaguchi Lab.)

Contact

+81-22-795-7381
kiyotoshi.sakaguchi.c5tohoku.ac.jp