Project Title: A Benchmark Physical Model Study of Tsunami Inundation and Interaction with Structures.
Personnel: Daniel Cox (PI, Faculty Mentor), Oregon State University; Chris Bradner (Graduate Student), Oregon State University
Abstract: During the last decade, tsunami inundation modeling methods have evolved into mature numerical techniques, capable of simulating tsunami runup for complex, three-dimensional shoreline topography. Numerical models based on the long wave approximation have been successfully applied to modeling many historical events and have shown good comparison with field data. However, the real test for any model has always been the comparison with laboratory experiments under controlled conditions where the initial conditions and boundary conditions are fully prescribed and where the response such as flow depth and flow speed can be accurately measured. A simple bathymetry/topography of the available laboratory experiments does not provide the complexity of the inundation dynamics that models compute during inundation mapping simulations. Virtually all benchmark tests to date have used a simple plain beach bathymetry for experimental setup (Hall & Watts, 1953; Synolakis, 1987; Yeh et al., 1989, Yeh et al., 1996, Li, 2000). However, the models tested with these simple benchmarks are then applied for high-resolution simulations of flows over realistic bathymetry and topography. Such simulations display complicated flow dynamics, often pushing the limits of underlying model assumptions. Therefore, the aim of this project is to develop a benchmark data set for realistic flows over a complex bathymetry with macro-roughness such as large hotel buildings and other infrastructure associated with developed shorelines (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Schematic setup of benchmark model study in the Tsunami Wave Basin in 2007.  Physical model of a section of Seaside, OR, will be installed in center of basin.  Shaded areas are for other projects.

The REU student will be responsible for

  • Reviewing literature related to tsunami inundation, overland flow, and tsunami-structure interaction (Wk 1-2)
  • Assisting in the initial setup of the experiments, including the installation of the macro-roughness (Wk 1-4)
  • Conducting experiments to measure the inundation flow depth, flow speed and wave loading
  • Assuring quality control of the data
  • Developing empirical relation between momentum flux of tsunami and total load on the structure
  • Summarizing and presenting research

Reference Material

Yeh, H. (2006) “Maximum Fluid Forces in the Tsunami Runup Zone,” Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal and Ocean Engineering, Vol. 132, No. 6, 496-500.

Heller, V., Hager, W. (2005) “Tsunami Run-up — A Hydraulic Perspective,” Journal of Hydraulic Engineering, Vol. 131, No. 9, 743-747

Tsutsumi, A., Shimamoto, T., Kawamoto, E., Logan, J.M. (2000) “Nearshore Flow Velocity of Southwest Hokkaido Earthquake Tsunami,” Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal and Ocean Engineering, Vol. 126, No. 3, 136-143

Ramsden, J.D., (1996) “Forces on a Vertical Wall due to Long Waves, Bores, and Dry-Bed Surges,” Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal and Ocean Engineering, Vol. 122, No. 3, 134-141.

Sato, S. (1996) “Numerical Simulation of 1993 Southwest Hokkaido Earthquake Tsunami around Okushiri Island,” Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal and Ocean Engineering, Vol. 122, No. 5, 209-215.

Ramsden, J.D., Raichlen, F. (1990) “Forces on Vertical Wall Caused by Incident Bores,” Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal and Ocean Engineering, Vol. 116, No. 5, 592-613.