Using a three-dimensional smoothed particle hydrodynamics method for wave impact on a tall structure

The impact of a single wave generated by a dam break with a tall structure is modeled with a three-dimensional version of the smoothed particle hydrodynamics method. The method is used to analyze the propagation of a long wave and the force it exerts on a tall structure located in a region with vertical boundaries. Velocities and forces obtained from a numerical model are shown to be in good agreement with laboratory measurements. The effect of having a dry bed in front of the dam prior to the dam break versus a wet bed in the experiment is discussed.