Tsunami-Induced Hydrodynamics and Scour Around Structures

Abstract

The complex hydrodynamics during a tsunami event can significantly affect the structural integrity of buildings. The resulting hydrodynamic forces are influenced by various fluid parameters such as the fluid density, flow velocity and depth, as well as by the structure’s geometry. Hydrodynamic forces induced by tsunami pressures and velocities are particularly important, as they occur usually around a coastal defence structure or a building and as a result, they affect the structural integrity of the structure (Chinnarasri et al, 2013). The 2011 Japan post-tsunami field survey of Chock et al. (2013) indicated that lateral pressures, uplift pressures and surge flow from the tsunami produced hydrodynamic forces responsible for the destruction of many structures along the Tohoku coastline. The associated hydrodynamic parameters of a tsunami such as pressures and velocities also influence the tsunami-induced scour around buildings. Nicholas et al. (2016) stated that the tsunami-induced hydrodynamic velocity was a crucial factor in producing soil-scour around building structures.