On the effect of bed condition on the development of tsunami-induced loading on structures using OpenFOAM

In this study, a multiphase three-dimensional numerical model using the volume of fluid method is applied to investigate tsunami-like bores propagating over dry and wet flume beds and their interaction with a structural model. Physical results from a set of laboratory experiments conducted at the Canadian Hydraulics Centre of the National Research Council (NRC-CHC) in Ottawa, Canada, are used to perform a quantitative and qualitative validation of the numerical model results. Hydraulic bores, with varying initial downstream depths, generated by the sudden opening of a gated reservoir are released into a channel and impact a free-standing structure located downstream in the flume. Simultaneously, the authors analyze their propagation characteristics. Time-histories of run-up, pressure, and net base shear force acting on the structure placed in the downstream flume section are analyzed to further understand the development of hydrodynamic loading. Furthermore, an analysis of the velocity fields, before and during interaction with the structure, is presented to elucidate how the bed condition (wet or dry) effects water surface elevation and loading on the structural model. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2015