Tsunami Resistant Buildings 

Image credit: web.mit.edu

In the wake of the horrific 8.9 earthquake and following tsunami that recently hit Japan on March 11th, we cannot help but ask ourselves what could have been done differently to reduce or prevent such destruction and tragic loss of life.

Although extensive property damage may be unavoidable in the case of such powerful natural disasters, the complete destruction and loss of life as seen in Japan are avoidable.

We've compiled a list of preventative steps that can be taken in the design and construction phases of buildings as well as links to a few interesting articles on seismic and tsunami resistance. 

• Use deep foundations to prevent buildings from being swept away.
• Orient structures at an angle to the shoreline to help direct water around the structure, rather than being a wall for the wave of water to slam into.
• Vegetation and natural aquatic formations (such as coral reefs) should be left intact as they provide natural roadblocks for a tsunami and can reduce the speed of the wave.
• Lower levels of a building should be constructed with heavy, well-reinforced concrete; every pound at this crucial part of the building counts to keep it grounded.
• Elevate the first occupied floor of a building above the shoreline to minimize damage by allowing water to flow under the structure. Elevated structures also provide safe, high ground for "vertical evacuation", reducing loss of life.

Read further on the design of earthquake and tsunami resistant structures: Article 1  Article 2  Article 3

Featured Project: Lexus of Henderson

Congratulations to Lexus of Henderson on the recent completion of their premiere dealership in Henderson, NV. THOMAD Engineering is proud to have been a part of the project team, providing full structural engineering design and consulting services from the project inception through completion. Construction on the LEED Gold rated facility began in the Summer of 2009 and was completed late 2010. Click here to view more photos and learn more.

Project Highlights:

• Luxurious 83,500 sf auto dealership featuring an elegant show room, retail boutique, relaxing customer lounge and administrative offices
• High-tech service garage boasting 18 bays plus 6 quick service lanes. 
• On-site car wash, detail bays, and parts storage building
• Stand-alone cooling tower and central plant