Experimental Modeling of Extreme Hydrodynamic Forces on Structural Models

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive experimental program focused on the impact of extreme hydrodynamic forces on structural models generated by a turbulent hydraulic bore. The parameters investigated include: (1) bore depth-time history; (2) initial flume-bed conditions (dry bed versus wet); and (3) damping effect of mitigation walls on the hydrodynamic forces. At impact, the maximum inundation (bore) depths varied between 250 mm and 450 mm and the bore front velocity ranged from 2.6 m/s to 5.0 m/s. High-speed video recordings of the bore-structural model interaction were captured simultaneously with the base shear force-, pressure-, base overturning moment-, and top lateral displacement-time histories experienced by the structural models. Three force components were identified in the bore-induced force-time histories: impulsive, run-up (transient hydrodynamic force), and quasi-steady hydrodynamic. The impulsive or run-up force was the maximum force component experienced by the structural models under initial dry-bed flume conditions; while for the initial wet-bed flume condition, the run-up force component was the maximum force. The effect of 100 mm and 150 mm low-height mitigation walls inclined at angles of 45 degrees or 90 degrees, which were installed at distances of 305 mm or 915 mm upstream from the structural model, was also investigated. The angle of inclination of the mitigation walls, its location relative to the structural model, and its cross-sectional shape all influence the base shear force-and base overturning moment-time histories. The base shear forces in the direction of the flow measured during experimental testing were greater than those estimated using the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) document P646, while the Structural Design Method of Buildings for Tsunami Resistance (SMBTR) overestimated the base shear forces.