A Probabilistic Framework for Coseismic Tsunami Design

This study uses probabilistic seismic and tsunami hazard analyses to develop a joint seismic-tsunami hazard model. For a particular probability of exceedance, the joint model produces significantly lower seismic forces and tsunami wave heights than the independent models. The consequences of the lowered seismic and tsunami loads are demonstrated for a site in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. While the structure must still be designed to resist the independent seismic and tsunami loads, the demands from the coupled seismic-tsunami loading are greatly reduced.