Performance of harbour structures in Andaman Islands during 2004 Sumatra earthquake

The devastating M w 9.1 Sumatra earthquake on 26 December 2004 and subsequent tsunami caused severe damages to harbour structures which caused delay in supply of relief work in the earthquake and tsunami affected areas in Andaman Islands, India. Major structural damage was observed at the construction joints due to pounding of two portions of jetties and at the top of reinforced concrete piles, especially short piles. Inadequate structural design and reinforcement detailing along with poor maintenance of these structures were primarily responsible for the severe damages. Other geotechnical aspects, e.g. liquefaction of soils, slope-stability failure, etc., were also responsible for severe damage to these structures. Appropriate seismic design provisions in applicable codes and their implementation are necessary to ensure satisfactory structural response for uninterrupted services at harbours in seismically active zones, especially those in developing countries.