Method for Calculating the Fluid Force of Tsunamis Acting on Concrete Railway Bridges

Abstract

Tsunami tests were conducted, to gain further insight into the phenomenon where, in the area close to concrete bridge girders, flow speeds fall when water levels rise, and there are differences in water levels upstream and downstream around girders. Based on results a method was proposed for calculating fluid forces acting on girders. The proposed method enables calculation of fluid forces generated around the bearing surfaces between concrete girders and bridge piers, using information about the bridge and assuming height and speed of the tsunami.