Abstract
Abstract. The Delft3D hydrodynamic and wave model is used to hindcast the storm surge and waves that impacted La Rochelle, France, and the surrounding area (Aytré, Châtelaillon-Plage, Yves, Fouras, and Île de Ré) during storm Xynthia. These models are validated against tide and wave measurements. The models then estimate the footprint of flow depth, speed, unit discharge, flow momentum flux, significant wave height, wave energy flux, total water depth (flow depth plus wave height), and total (flow plus wave) force at the locations of damaged buildings for which insurance claims data are available. Correlation of the hydrodynamic and wave results with the claims data generates building damage functions. These damage functions are shown to be sensitive to the topography data used in the simulation, as well as the hydrodynamic or wave forcing parameter chosen for the correlation. The most robust damage functions result from highly accurate topographic data and are correlated with water depth or total (flow plus wave) force.
Highlights
In 2010 the Xynthia extratropical storm caused damage to the Atlantic coast of Spain and France (Slomp et al, 2010, Chauveau et al 2011)
If damage curves are built using coarse topography that neglects the presence of thin seawalls, the buildings protected by these walls 170 might experience more intense hydrodynamic conditions in the simulation than if the walls had been present in the simulation
200 The uncertainty and variability within this methodology can be explained by two factors: 1) the hydrodynamic modelling, and uncertainty in the hydrodynamic variables, and 2) uncertainty in the claims data
Summary
In 2010 the Xynthia extratropical storm caused damage to the Atlantic coast of Spain and France (Slomp et al, 2010, Chauveau et al 2011). The present paper develops damage curves for buildings in the area where the storm surge and waves of Xynthia storm caused the most damage. We draw methods used to quantify damage due to hurricanes and tsunamis in the USA and 25 Japan (Suppasri 2013, Hatzikyriakou et al, 2018, Tomiczek et al, 2017), but for the first time apply these to modern masonry structures in Europe affected by storm surge and waves from an extratropical cyclone. A total of 423 reported claims in the area of study were used (Figure 1). More than 9% of the structures had a damage ratio (DR) higher than 0.5 (considerable damages), 30% had DR higher than 0.2 (medium damages) and 49% had low damages
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