Miniaturised tsunami generator to model interaction of tsunami with coastal infrastructure

Abstract

The resilience of coastal infrastructure to tsunamis is of utmost importance for the survivability of communities at risk. A substantial part of such infrastructure, such as breakwaters and quay walls, is not only extremely expensive to replace, but also forms a vital part of relief efforts. Their response to tsunamis is a function of complex hydro-mechanical interaction mechanisms, which are not fully understood. Physical modelling can be instrumental in improving one's understanding. In this context, this research study aimed at developing a miniaturised tsunami generator (MTG). In contrast to the tidal generator concept, which requires a large-volume tank to store the entire volume of water needed to produce the tsunami, the MTG employs a novel recirculation system, comprising one-way valves and air-pressure-controlled dual reservoirs, operating out of phase like a pair of bellows. The recirculation system allows minimisation of the size and weight of the apparatus, which are both crucial for its future adaptation to centrifuge modelling. The hydraulic capabilities of the MTG are investigated in terms of its ability to produce target waveforms of solitary waves of arbitrary length. The efficacy of the experimental set-up is verified against published solutions, referring to the evolution of scouring around circular piers under steady-state flow.