Validation of OpenSees for Tsunami Effects on Bridge Superstructures

Research Team

• Michael Scott, Associate Professor, Oregon State University (PI)
• Harry Yeh, Professor, Oregon State University
• Luke Cressman, Graduate Student Research Assistant, Oregon State University

Project Description

The fluid-structure interaction (FSI) capabilities of OpenSees are the focus of this project with three objectives:

1. Compare OpenSees FSI simulations of bridge response to tsunami loads with data from previous FSI simulations that were obtained using commercial software.
2. Validate OpenSees FSI simulations against experimental wave flume data for tsunami-induced bridge forces.
3. Organize a US-Japan collaborative workshop aimed at validating numerical models for tsunami effects on bridges.

Timeline: 2013-2014