FEMA P-646 Guidelines for Design of Structures for Vertical Evacuation from Tsunamis, 3rd Edition  

This publication presents the following information:

• General information on the tsunami hazard and its history;
• Guidance on determining the tsunami hazard, including the need for tsunami depth and velocity on a site-specific basis;
• Different options for vertical evacuation from tsunamis;
• Determination of tsunami and earthquake loads and structural design criteria necessary to address them; and
• Structural design concepts and other considerations.

In this third edition, revisions were made throughout the document, but particularly in the following areas:

• Expanded guidance on planning for vertical evacuation
• Additional guidance and commentary on structural design criteria contained in the new Chapter 6, “Tsunami Loads and Effects” of ASCE/SEI 7-16, Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE, 2016);
• Inclusion of guidance on using existing structures for vertical evacuation; and
• Operational guidance for tsunami vertical evacuation structures.