Abstract

Abstract An analytical approach based on numerical simulation is performed to investigate the mechanism of a slab bridge damages caused by tsunami. This slab bridge was constructed in a parallel bridge structure with the adjacent highway bridge. Tohoku earthquake tsunami flooded and washed away this slab bridge. The CADMAS-Surf numerical model was used to determine the dynamic loads acting on the slab bridge subjected to a bore type tsunami. A series of hydraulic experiments were conducted, and the results were compared to the results obtained from numerical simulation. Numerical results showed good agreement with experimental ones in terms of water surface elevation, wave pressure and force. The validated numerical model was applied to the prototype scale of slab bridge that had 3D geometry. Simulation results showed that the tsunami flow fully overtopped the slab. The horizontal force was relatively smaller than the uplift force, however the total uplift force exceeded the dead load of the slab. This result meant that the tsunami flow uplifted the slab and washed the slab downstream. The effect of the existence of adjacent highway bridge on the characteristic of tsunami inundation and forces acting on the slab bridge is also discussed.

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