Effect of debris damming on wave-induced hydrodynamic loads against free-standing buildings with openings

Davide Wüthrich*, Clàudia Ylla Arbós, Michael Pfister, Anton J. Schleiss

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)
64 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Tsunamis, impulse waves, and dam-break waves are rare but catastrophic events, associated with casualties and damage to infrastructures. An adequate description of these waves is vital to assure human safety and to generate resilient structures. Furthermore, a specific building geometry with openings, such as windows and doors, reduces wave-induced loads and increases the probability that a building withstands. However, waves often carry a large volume of debris, generating supplementary impact forces and creating debris dams around buildings, limiting the beneficial effects of the openings. Herein, a preliminary study on the three-dimensional (3D) effect of debris dams on postpeak wave-induced loads under unsteady flow conditions is presented based on laboratory experiments. Both wooden logs (forest) and shipping containers were tested, showing different behaviors. Shipping containers were associated with severe impact force peaks, whereas the interlocking nature of forest-Type debris provoked a compact debris dam, leading to higher and longer-lasting hydrodynamic forces. The arrangement of the debris also had an influence on the resulting structural loading. All tested scenarios were analyzed in terms of horizontal force, cantilever arm, and impulse acting on the building. This study presents a methodology to support the evaluation of postpeak debris-induced loads for the design of safer resilient buildings.

Original languageEnglish
Article number04019036
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Waterway, Port, Coastal and Ocean Engineering
Volume146
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Bibliographical note

Accepted Author Manuscript

Keywords

  • Debris dam
  • Debris loads
  • Structural loading
  • Tsunami
  • Unsteady flows

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effect of debris damming on wave-induced hydrodynamic loads against free-standing buildings with openings'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this