Physical modelling of tsunami onshore propagation, peak pressures, and shielding effects in an urban building array

Wave experiments were conducted on a 1:20 length scale to measure water surface elevations and extreme pressures on and around idealized structural elements and arrays of structures. Experiments varied offshore wave characteristics and onshore structural configurations. Conditions in which waves broke on or just before the specimen caused maximum impulsive pressures. Pressures measured under nonbreaking wave conditions agreed with predicted values using design equations suggested by the Japanese Cabinet Office; however bare-earth water surface elevation inputs produced nonconservative estimates in breaking wave trials. Shielded structures experienced pressure reductions of 40-70% under breaking wave conditions. Results indicate that shielding elements constructed nearshore may reduce wave-induced damage. This dataset may be used to validate numerical models of tsunami propagation through urban environments.