A CONCEPTIONAL STUDY ON MOBILE EMERGENCY FLOATING FACILITIES FOR NATURAL DISASTERS

In Japan, research works on various floating structures have been intensely done, and their utilization as an offshore airport, floating terminals etc. has been also proposed. As became clear in the Hansin/Awaji earthquake of Jan.17, 1995, the access from the sea to the areas struck by disasters may be an effective alternative way for emergency and first aids. This paper is concerned with the design concept for a mobile floating emergency facilities through the quay or wharf of areas suffered from the natural disaster such as earthquakes. Although such facilities are planned in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka bays, we here propose a floating structure such as a Quick Installation Platform (QIP) or a self elevating platform for Shimizu port in Miho bay where a tsunami up to 4 meters is expected as a result of the likely Tokai earthquake. To make these structures economically possible, their utilization for othcr purposes must be taken into account during ordinary circumstances. We suggest the use of such structures as the transverse piers for the Techno Super Liner (TSL).