Hydraulic Structures and Society: Engineering Challenges and Extremes ISBN 9781742721156- DOI: 10.14264/uql.2014.44 Preliminary Investigation of the Tsunami-Borne Debris Impact on Structures: A new method for impact force measurement

Abstract: Impact of tsunami-borne debris causes a significant force on coastal structures. Tsunami bores can carry different geometrical shapes of floating debris, which are often the greatest cause of damage to inland structures. Despite such a serious threat, the impact of floating debris on structures has received limited attention. The objective of this paper is to introduce a new method for measuring the impact force of floating debris on the seaward wall of structures during tsunami events. This will improve the understanding of tsunami-borne debris impact forces on structures and increase the predictive capabilities required for estimates of such forces in design guidelines. The debris impact tests were conducted using two smart debris devices with different geometrical shapes. Impact accelerations and forces in the horizontal and vertical planes were investigated