Twin-Wing Tsunami Barrier

On December 26, 2004 a major earthquake with a magnitude between 9.1 and 9.3 on the Richter scale occurred off the West Coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. This earthquake generated a devastating tsunami. Several countries suffered from the gigantic tsunami, many people died and many more lost their properties. The tsunami struck the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia and killed 68 people and destroyed many properties. The Island of Penang was one of the places that suffered from the disaster. Fifty seven people died in this area when most of them were enjoying their time on the beach. Many home appliances, several boats and fishing equipments were also destroyed in the area. In order to prevent similar damages from a possible recurring tsunami event “TWIN-WING TSUNAMI BARRIER’’ has been used to design an offshore barrier to dissipate the tsunami wave energy in this study. The opportunity to develop an innovative barrier to break down the mass of the wave, to neutralize its energy and prevent them from reaching economically strategic coastal areas became overwhelming.