Numerical investigation of tsunami bore effects on structures, part II: effects of bed condition on loading onto circular structures

Abstract

In this paper, a multiphase three-dimensional numerical reproduction of a large-scale laboratory experiment of tsunami-like bore interaction with a surface-piercing circular column is presented. The numerical simulation is conducted using OpenFOAM. A dam-break mechanism is implemented in order to generate tsunami-like bores. The numerical model is validated using the results of experiments performed at the Canadian Hydraulics Center of the National Research Council in Ottawa, Canada. Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes equations are used in order to treat the turbulence effects. The Shear Stress Transport k–ω turbulence model showed a high level of accuracy in replicating the bore–structure interactions. A scaled-up domain is used to investigate the influence of bed condition in terms of various downstream depths and roughnesses. Finally, a broad investigation on bore propagation characteristics is performed. The stream-wise forces exerted on the structural column as well as the bore velocity are compared and analyzed for smooth, rough, dry and wet beds with varying depths.