Tsunami, Reducing the Damage: Testing Barriers and Non-Traditional Structural Designs

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective of my project was to investigate ways of reducing tsunami damage to pinpoint the most effective means of doing so. Methods/Materials My wave tank was made from a 40 inch long plastic tub; a secured wave-paddle, made out of cutting boards, a wooden dowel and duct tape. I built the shore using wet-foam and structures using craft-sticks and wood glue. For each test, I made waves with the tub filled to 1 inch, 2 inches, and 3 inches; the most dramatic structural results always coming from 3 inches of water, as this produced "sea-level" land; though 2 inches had the best-looking waves in the small tub. Results In my research I found that elevating structures, building sea walls, and growing reefs and mangroves can all have a major effect against the power of tsunami. I also found that changing the orientation of buildings, the direction the walls faced the shore, could produce a structure that can better withstand tsunami forces. It was this observation about orientation that gave me the idea to design a building that was diamond shaped; reducing the surface area forces of the impact. Just as the bow of a ship moves through water, the diamond shaped house didn't experience nearly as much impact force as the standard shaped building. Conclusions/Discussion Elevating structures was the most effective means of reducing damage. While other methods can greatly reduce damage due to impact forces of a tsunami; elevating, or building away from coastlines altogether, is the only solution to avoiding the costs and burdens of damages due to flood water.

Competition history

• CSEF 2014 Applied Mechanics & Structures · Entry J0324

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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