Abstract
In recent years, super high strength reinforced concrete
(commonly known as New RC) has been developed in Japan. By
using corresponding new construction technologies with the new RC,
structures are lighter weight ; elements are stronger ; components
are smaller ; span are larger ; construction is quicker ; costs are
lower ; habitability is improved ; and, finally, such structures are
made more suitable for skeleton-infill (SI) housing.
The issue now seems to be appraising and approving structures
that have been constructed with such advanced materials and
technologies. In Taiwan, the use of new materials and technologies
still has to be approved according to a regulation known as
"Directions of Applying for Approval of New Technology,
Construction, Equipment and Material in Build". This Taiwan
regulation was based on the outdated Japanese approval system
and is therefore ineffective in incouraging builders to use new
materials and technologies. In addition, most builders in Taiwan are
unfamiliar with the regulation and the process of applying for
approval of new RC and related construction technologies.
By referring to the current Japanese approval system of Japan’s
designated organizations, this report aims to make suggestions for
setting up a new regulation or system of appraisal and approval of
New RC materials and technologies in Taiwan.