Improving predictions of nearshore wave dynamics and coastal impacts using Smooth Particle Hydrodynamic models

In this study we assess the capabilities of the mesh-free, Lagrangian particle method (Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics, SPH) method to simulate the detailed hydrodynamic processes generated by both spilling and plunging breaking waves within the surf zone, and present how the approach can be used to predict a broad spectrum of hydrodynamic...

Hydrodynamic and debris-damming failure of bridge decks and piers in steady flow

In countries with steep rivers, such as Japan and the United States, bridges fail on an annual basis. Bridges on spread footings are especially susceptible to failure by hydrodynamic loading, often exacerbated by debris damming. Here, such failures are investigated via small scale model laboratory experiments and full scale numerical...

Effect of overflow nappe non-aeration on tsunami breakwater failure

Sliding force and punching pressure were contributing factors to widespread breakwater damage caused during the 2011 Great East Japan Tsunami (Takagi and Bricker, 2015), and were dominant factors causing displacement of caissons from the world’s deepest breakwater: the Kamaishi bay-mouth composite tsunami breakwater (Arikawa et al., 2012;...