THE STORM SURGE PROTECTION BREAKWATER IN THE PORT OF NAGOYA

In 1959, the great storm surge caused by Typhoon Vera inflicted severe damage on the coastal zone of Ise Bay: approximately 5,000 people died or were missing and the inundation on the area continued for 40 days. Immediately after the typhoon damage, the Japanese government started constructing "the storm surge protection breakwater" at the entrance of the Port of Nagoya as a countermeasure against storm surges. The 8,000 meter-long breakwater was planed to be constructed on soft ground and it was much necessary to shorten the construction period. Therefore, sand drain method was adopted for the first time in Japan as foundation improvement for the basement of breakwater. The breakwater was completed within three year and it continues to protect the Port of Nagoya from storm surges for over fifty years.