Abstract
The vulnerability of buildings on coastal dikes due to overtopping wave impacts is difficult to assess. A method is developed in this paper to quantify the vulnerability of masonry buildings on a coastal dike exposed to wave overtopping. Using previous studies, the accidental loads due to the extreme wave impacts are characterized. Using the approach from Eurocode 6, the strength of masonry buildings under these loads is assessed. Results from a case study in Belgium show that masonry buildings located 10–15 m away from the seafront would suffer from localized damage, such as windows being broken under a 1000 year storm. The building would collapse under a 10,000-year storm. The method can be used to assess the safety of existing buildings on coastal dikes and to design new buildings.
Highlights
Low-lying and densely-populated coastal regions in the Netherlands and Belgium are becoming more attractive areas for economic, environmental and social development [1]
The objective of this paper is to develop a practical method to evaluate the vulnerability of buildings on coastal dikes caused by the impact load of overtopping waves
The flood risk caused by the direct impact of wave overtopping on coastal buildings is regarded as a highly interesting, but not yet sufficiently well-developed area of research [2]
Summary
Low-lying and densely-populated coastal regions in the Netherlands and Belgium are becoming more attractive areas for economic, environmental and social development [1]. In these regions, buildings and infrastructure are present quite close to the sea defense line. There is a relatively high risk of damage and loss of life that could be brought about by coastal flooding, and the risks could increase with climate change and sea level rise. Coastal flooding can be caused by high sea level, breaching of sea defense, as well as wave overtopping. Even though the first two causes are the main concerns when assessing flood risk for the highly-developed coastal sites, overtopping effects will be important for buildings on the coast. Allsop et al [2] pointed out that the direct hazard from overtopping for coastal buildings and human beings is being ignored, so more attention is needed
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