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JUACEP Report

Name: Chung-Wen Chuang
Affiliation (Dept & Univ): Civil Engineering, UCLA
Participated program: Short (Summer) 2013

Research theme: Simulation of RC Structures under Cyclic Loading
Advisor at Nagoya Univ: Prof. Hikaru Nakamura
Affiliation (Dept.): Civil Engineering


J apan is world-renowned for its brilliant technology and science, while the Graduate School of
Engineering at Nagoya University is well-known on its outstanding research activities and
achievements. Therefore, my motivations and purposes for pursuing a summer research internship
opportunity at Nagoya University in J apan are twofold. First of all, I am intent on not only broadening
my view and scope in the field of structural engineering at the prestigious Nagoya University, but
also being able to witness superior technology and science through the visit of Toyota plants and/or
other world-famous enterprises in J apan. Secondly, I strongly yearn to thoroughly experience
J apanese multi-dimensional characteristics recognized as a perfect balance between new and old
objects: high-tech urban circumstances and well-preserved historical architectures.
During two-month study at Nagoya University in J apan, my learning experience mainly
includes two parts, and they are research- and J apanese-learning parts. For the research-learning
part, under the instruction of Professor Hikaru NAKAMURA, the teaching assistant and lab mates, I
performed mechanical and physical behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, such as visual
crack propagation, loading-displacement relation, prediction of the shear failure and/or flexural
failure, etc., using a discrete-type numerical analysis modeling, namely Ridig-Body-Spring Model
(RBSM). For the J apanese-learning part, through several J apanese language classes associated
with some field trips, e.g., Toyota Motor Factory visit and Ukai watching trip in Nagara River, I
learned much knowledge about the J apanese language, culture and features, and so forth.
Through the instruction of the research theory, the introduction of the J apanese culture, and
the share of the life experience from faculty, lab mates and friends, I gained invaluable professional
knowledge, interacting skills and cultural experience at Nagoya University and in J apan. On the
other hand, I also shared ideas and thoughts of my study and life in the US with them by means of
several presentations and meetings at Nagoya University. In addition, I am very impressed by the
J apanese working culture and spirit. They enjoy what they do and devoted their respectable energy
and power to the work. For example, in my research lab, I was dumbfounded by the attitude and
passion that most J apanese lab mates perform on their research. They are always energetic and
enthusiastic on the research, even unstoppable during weekends.
Fortunately, during my stay at the Nagoya University, I have experienced some rare occasions
happened in the Nagoya University and/or my laboratory, e.g., the annual convention by J apan
Concrete Institute (J CI) and the job workshop by Civil Engineering and Architecture Department of
Aichi-ken government. It is my honor to meet and intercommunicate with those people of great ability
and profession.
Not only intercommunicating diverse thoughts and backgrounds with faculty and peers but
also experiencing J apanese cultural features and appearances is an exciting aspect of this J UACEP
program provided to me. I am sure the J UACEP program offered by Nagoya University will allow me
to thrive and further fulfill my life. To be specific, what I have learned from this program, even
throughout the J apan, is to accept innovative and creative ideas and thoughts from distinct fields, to
appreciate superior technologies in life, to respect experience and wisdom from elders, and to learn
energetic and enthusiastic attitude in working. With all the experiences I have gained in J apan, I am
more confident to face any uncertainty in the future. This J UACEP program definitely has presented
to me with numerous and wonderful experiences during my life in J apan.