Fuel Storage Container Performance during the 2011 Tohoku, Japan, Tsunami

Abstract

Field investigation of infrastructure damage following the March 2011, Tohoku, Japan, Tsunami uncovered failure of numerous fuel storage containers as a result of the high inundation depths and velocities associated with the event. Observations focused on two areas, Ishinomaki, Japan and Onagawa, Japan, where inundation depths of up to 6 and 17 m, respectively, were measured. The failure modes observed include: crushing of containers as a result of inward hydrostatic forces or debris impact, tie down failures as a result of elevated buoyancy forces, and sliding failures as a result of the hydrodynamic forces imparted during the event. The loss of restraint resulted in movement of the containers outside of their containment walls, fuel spillage, and ground contamination. Sample calculations based on observed container failure, water levels, and estimated flow velocities illustrate the demands and failure patterns observed. A retrofitting mechanism is proposed to minimize loss of fuel storage containers during tsunami events.