Chula Engineering Partners with Japan to Boost Thailand’s Infrastructure Capabilities; Receives 19-Million Baht Fatigue Testing System 

The Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, held a press conference to launch the Project for Technology Development on Life Time Management of Road and Bridge for Strengthening Resilience in Thailand. The project is a collaboration involving the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Kasetsart University, the Department of Highways, and Waseda University, Japan, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).  

The press conference was held on September 5, 2024, at the Auditorium of TRUELAB, Building 3, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Witaya Wannasuphoprasit , Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, gave the opening speech, followed by Mr. Ponlathep Lertworawanich, Director of the Office of Research and Road Development, Department of Highways, and Mr. Ryoichi Kawabe, Senior Representative, JICA Thailand office, who spoke of the collaboration in this project. The event included a handover ceremony of a fatigue testing system worth 19 million baht, used for measuring the durability of building and construction materials in withstanding impact forces. In attendance of this ceremony were Prof. Dr. Yasuhiko Sato, Project Investigator, Waseda University, Prof. Dr. Kasem Choocharukul, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phoonsak Pheinsusom, Project Director, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, who took part in the testing of the system. 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Witaya Wannasuphoprasit, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, spoke of The Project for Technology Development on Life Time Management of Road and Bridge for Strengthening Resilience in Thailand. He described the project as a collaboration between Thailand and Japan, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), both leading organizations in Japan. The goal is to develop technology and enhance Thailand’s infrastructure capabilities, aiming to increase the durability and strength of road and bridge structures in the country. The project duration is 5 years (April 2022 – March 2027). Under this project, various activities have been organized, such as a bridge reinforcement project in the Ladprao and Bang Wua areas, operated in conjunction with the Department of Highways. Additionally, scholarships are provided to students and staff who wish to pursue doctoral studies in Japan, as well as technology and knowledge transfer initiatives. 

Regarding the material fatigue testing system, or Actuator machine, valued at over 19 million baht, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Witaya stated that this machine can be used to test the durability of materials that need to withstand repeated impacts or weights over long periods, such as concrete beams, railway sleepers, and other materials used in infrastructure work. This machine is not only used for the project but can also provide material testing services for academic purposes to various agencies. For example, the Department of Highways or large construction companies can request to use the service for testing materials to enhance strength and safety in construction projects. 

The Dean added that this project provides unique opportunities for students, researchers, and those interested in infrastructure and engineering in the forms of scholarships and study abroad opportunities, such as in Japan, to enhance knowledge and skills in sustainable infrastructure development. Additionally, there are training sessions and academic activities open to interested individuals to participate in, increasing opportunities for learning and self-development. 

Chulalongkorn University has plans to create future leaders and conduct research that generates positive societal impact. This project aligns with its vision of becoming a leading innovative university by applying engineering research and innovation to solve sustainable infrastructure-level problems. This will help increase safety and resource efficiency. The project supports the university’s mission of creating knowledge and innovations that benefit society through the involvement of students and staff in research processes and the development of innovations that can be practically applied in the future. 

“This project is an excellent example of applying engineering knowledge to solve national problems. It also prepares students to learn and work with international organizations, which will help create high-quality research that sustainably benefits society. Furthermore, it allows for quick assessment and measurement of outcomes related to the World Impact Ranking,” remarked the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.  

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