Model Study Of Tsunami Wave Loading On Bridges

ABSTRACT This paper presents the initial results of a series of model tests carried out, as part of an ongoing research project in Cambridge, to understand the maximum impact pressure of a tsunami wave on coastal bridges. The paper also contains a review of literature relevant to this project. A simple pier and deck bridge design was tested at 1:25 scale, using miniature pressure sensors to monitor the impact loads. The effects of foundation depth, pier height, pier width and bridge deck height on the impact pressures have been investigated.

KEY WORDS: tsunami wave, coastal bridges, modelling, wave impact pressure.

INTRODUCTION Boxing-day 2004 tsunami was a natural disaster that claimed more than 220 000 lives and destroyed infrastructure along the coasts of many counties in the pacific, Indonesia and Sri Lanka being the worst hit. The total economic cost of catastrophe is estimated to be more than 10 billion euros. According to the Red Cross, more than 2.3 million were affected by the disaster. In light of this disaster, early warning system has been put in place for any future tsunamis in the pacific. While early warning systems can be used for evacuating people and saving lives, better designs for coastal structures are required if we are to improve their chances of survival in an event of a tsunami and reduce the