Author(s): Seyedreza Shafiei

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Debris; Force; Free impact; Controlled impact; Contact duration

Abstract: Tsunami-borne debris is a significant threat to coastal structures. Tsunami bores can carry different geometrical shapes of floating debris; the debris is often the greatest cause of damage to inland structures. Despite such a grave threat, the impact of floating debris on structures has received limited attention. The objective of this research is to experimentally quantify the impact force of floating debris on the seaward wall of structures during tsunami events. This will improve the understanding of tsunamiborne debris impact forces on structures and increase the predictive capabilities required for estimates of such forces in design guidelines. The debris impact test was conducted for two cases namely free impact and controlled impact. It was observed that the water contributed to a combination of added mass and cushioning of the collision. Also, it was concluded that two different forces need to be considered during the impact event: (a) at the base of the structure and (b) at the contact point on the surface of the structure. An empirical relationship between these two forces is presented.

DOI:

Year: 2013