Impact and damage to structures during the 27 February 2010 Chile tsunami1

Damage to structures and infrastructure due to the Chile tsunami of 27 February 2010, is presented. Robust, modern engineered structures performed well during this tsunami and, generally, damage only to non-structural components was evident. The majority of damage was sustained by non-engineered residential homes located within the inundation zone. These dwellings consisted of either light timber frame construction or concrete frame construction with brick masonry infill walls. Many of the dwellings incorporated sheet metal as exterior cladding or roofing. The hydrodynamic (drag) forces, impulsive loading, hydrostatic forces, buoyant forces, and debris impact loading were probable sources during the tsunami causing the observed damage. Failures included punching of brick masonry infill walls, partial and complete collapse of load bearing elements such as columns, and sliding and unseating failures of second storey levels and roofs. A discussion of the state of the art in tsunami design practice is also provided.