Scaled-Down Tsunami Simulation

After receiving funding from the Dept. of Homeland Security, an indoor wave lab was constructed on a university campus in the Pacific Northwest to simulate, study and eventually mitigate risks of tsunami-like waves. To create the simulated wave, 16,000 GPM of clean water was needed to flow over the small scale levy all at once

Space restrictions and ventilation requirements in the lab necessitated extra precautions for staging.

Because of past success with the wave lab study and the ability to safely provide a solution, Rain for Rent was chosen for the job.

To create the high flow wave, Rain for Rent used a crane and pulley system to set up the four 88 HP 12-inch submersible pumps.

Due to safety and ventilation concerns, the generators were staged outside the building.

Additional power cable, distribution boxes and pipe allowed the system to operate inside while the generators remained outside.

Each pump had individual discharge lines set from one end of the wave pool to the other.

Throughout the duration of the project, daily job safety analysis meetings were held to review operations.

Rain for Rent completed the wave lab’s pumping needs after three weeks and anticipates a chance to continue with the third phase of the tsunami study project later this year.