Author(s): Ioan Nistor; Dan Palermo; Taofiq Al-Faesly; Andrew Cornett
Linked Author(s): Ioan Nistor, Andrew Cornett
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: The paper presents the results of an extensive large-scale experimental and numerical study dealing with the impact of tsunami-induced hydrodynamic forces on buildings located in the vicinity of the shoreline. Currently, none of the design building codes specifically address the design of infrastructure located close to the shorelines exposed to tsunami attack. A group of structural and hydraulic engineers from the University of Ottawa, Canada, initiated this interdisciplinary research project which is expected to result in new design recommendations and guidelines for practicing and design engineers. The research program consisted of experimental, analytical, and numerical modeling of hydrodynamic loading on structures due to an inland advancing hydraulic bore generated by a tsunami wave reaching the coastline. The experimental program was carried out as a cooperative research project by researchers from the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Ottawa and the Canadian Hydraulic Center, National Research Council, Canada. Three structural elements (square, diamond and circular columns) were subjected to high-velocity hydraulic impacts, similar to those generated by the effect of a broken tsunami wave with various heights. The pressures and forces exerted were measured allowing the total loading on the structural elements to be quantified. The results of this novel experimental program show detailed pressure and velocity distribution diagrams for all sides of the impacted structural elements. At the same time, results of the effect of flow constrictions and floating debris impact on the loading pattern is presented and discussed. The experimental results are further compared with the results of a highly nonlinear computer model for fluid-structure interaction, AUTODYN. The final purpose of this study is to propose design guidelines for structures located nearshore, in regions subjected to tsunami waves.
Year: 2009