Research work of Prof. Tomita, including: 1. Examination of environmental vibration measurement using vibration control rubber on carpet. 2. Measures against floor impact sound by heavy-impact source using storage furniture with tatami. 3. Study on tatami mat considering safety when falling in case of falling collision and sound insulation performance. 4. Research on evaluation method and evaluation rank for vertical

Abstract

A tatami is a type of mat used as a floor material in many rooms in Japan. They are also used in training rooms, such as in a dojo or martial arts, and are often covered with woven straw. Tatami mats were used as flooring materials for buildings in the Kamakura period (c. 1185) and have a long history. Tatami is often used in the Japanese-style room of today's homes. Generally, tatami mats are 55 mm thick; some mats are made of mostly straw and some made of insulation board and extruded polystyrene foam. The surface of both types of mats is covered with tatami facing. More recently, tatami mats made of insulation board and extruded polystyrene foam are used in homes. Despite their presence in Japanese buildings, there are several problems associated with tatami mats and other floor materials. One of the potential problems concerns the safety of individuals who fall on the mats, while another is the sound created by impact on the mats, such as when people walk or run across them. Research is underway to find effective ways of improving the sound insulation performance of floor materials at the same time as considering the safety of the inhabitants of the buildings with the mats in them. One team, which is investigating means of improving tatami mats and the materials used to build them, is based at the College of Science and Technology in Nihon University, Japan. Led by Professor Ryuta Tomita, the team is engaged with several projects revolving around overcoming heavy-weight floor impact sound insulation performance and safety of individuals who fall on tatami mats.