The existence of multi-story buildings to reduce tsunami effects in the city of Padang, West Sumatra

Abstract

The need for space for shelter as well as the place of business is always increasing in urban areas. To provide enough space, it is usually done vertically. The building becomes two or more stories high. This building grows along the highway and on the beach, for cities that are on the coast. Seawalls or dams are usually used to protect the driving force of the waves to shore and their construction is massive. But building prices are very expensive. However, the existence of multi-story buildings can also reduce and protect coastal areas against tsunami waves. However, not many researchers have examined this case by physically modeling it in the existing conditions. Based on that experiment research is conducted by imitating the real condition of the location of the affected waves. Simulations are carried out using models. The multi-story building model is made from styrofoam which is placed on the location map from satellite imagery. Then observed the effect of inundation and current propagation by generating waves. A single wave is generated by adjusting the height of the fall and the volume of water from the tank to the test object. The simulation results show a reduction in current propagation length and puddle depth of about 40%. The decrease in water depth is better as the floor of the building increases. As a recommendation, the multi-story building effect can help the community in determining the route and length of time for evacuation from the start of the incident to a safe place.