Collapse processes and associated loading of square light-frame timber structures due to bore-type waves

Extreme hydrodynamic events such as hurricanes or tsunamis threaten coastal regions in particular. Such hazards must be assessed and appropriately incorporated into building codes to mitigate casualties damages structures. Guidelines are often developed through experimental investigations that assume buildings remain rigid during loading. To challenge this ‘rigid paradigm’, test specimens were designed replicate the deformation characteristics of an idealized light-frame timber structure using Froude-Cauchy similarity. Subsequently, a large-scale study was conducted at Large Wave Flume Coastal Research Center Hannover. Hydrodynamic loads load gradients investigated describe both influence elasto-plastically modeled specimen compared reference model effect history on structural loads. Finally, collapse sequences elasto-plastic extracted from high-speed photographs classified three failure mechanisms. In study, data analyses presented with intention not only inform local authorities for future development guidelines but also serve calibration validation improving numerical methods. • A new methodology wood structures is provided. Realistic tsunami land conditions resembled experiments. Structural due bore-like flows differ non-rigid Collapse processes disseminated categorized Failure mechanisms vary significantly.