A combined model approach for debris-flow impact forces

Abstract. Flexible barriers are being increasingly applied to mitigate the danger of debris flows. However, how barriers can be better designed to withstand the impact loads of debris flows is still an open question in natural hazard engineering. Here we report an improved large-scale physical modelling device and the results of two consecutive large-scale granular flow tests using this device to study how flexible barriers react under the impact of granular flows. In the study, the impact force directly on the flexible barrier and the impact force transferred to the supporting structures are measured, calculated, and compared. Based on the comparison, the impact loading attenuated by the flexible barrier is quantified. The hydro-dynamic approaches with different dynamic coefficients and the hydro-static approach are validated using the measured impact forces.

Investigating the use of contact electrical conductance for the measurement of particle impact force

Gravitational mass movements, such as debris and mud flows, are among the most destructive natural hazards, leading to substantial fatalities and extensive economic damage worldwide. Improving our understanding and modeling of these processes is essential for developing effective risk management and early warning strategies. When debris and mud flows pass through a curved channel, centrifugal forces may cause a difference in flow height between the inner and outer banks of the channel. This height difference, known as superelevation, can be described using analytical models that establish a relationship between the superelevation height and the flow velocity.Analytical models often employ a forced vortex approach, incorporating parameters such as the cross-sectional slope of the flow surface, flow width, and bend radius. These models, however, rely on assumptions such as a linear flow surface between mud deposits on the banks, a rectangular cross-section, and neglect both complex rheological behaviors and solid-fluid interactions. As a result, an empirically determined correction factor is required within the formula. The absence of a clear mechanical rationale for this correction factor presents challenges, as it is currently derived only through field investigations and laboratory experiments.This study presents an enhancement to the existing forced vortex approach by incorporating insights from numerical modeling. A coupled SPH-DEM numerical model is employed, where DEM particles represent coarse solid particles, and SPH accounts for the fluid phase, comprising fines and water. The SPH-DEM coupling is based on the no-slip interaction model, with simulations performed using a GPU-based solver to ensure enhanced computational efficiency. To validate the approach, a parametric test is conducted, initially back-calculating laboratory-scale experiments. The study further involves varying the water content in debris and mud flows to examine its impact on flow behavior and superelevation. Larger water contents lead to an increased superelevation angle. Results from the parametric test reveal a clear correlation between water content and the flow surface shape in curved channels. Specifically, mud flows are characterized by convex upward surface shapes, whereas more granular debris flows typically exhibit concave downward shapes.The distribution of material within the cross-section of the flow is governed by the equilibrium between boundary forces and centrifugal forces acting on the flow, which directly influences the superelevation. Numerical investigations are conducted to determine a correction factor and assess the extent to which inertial effects contribute to this correction factor for different material mixtures. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the effect of the flow surface shape is significant and is currently only accounted for by the empirical correction factor. This study offers new physical insights for the back-calculation of debris flow velocities in curved sections marked by mud deposits. Large-scale SPH-DEM simulations of a real debris flow event at Illgraben (Switzerland) are performed, showing good agreement with field data and its potential for further real-scale modeling.

Flume investigation of debris flow entrained boulders with cylindrical baffles and a rigid barrier

Debris flow normally occurs after heavy rains in mountainous regions with multiple surges. Flexible barriers are installed in torrents to intercept debris flows in an early stage. For the safer design of a flexible barrier installed in the upstream, the forces on the barrier invaded by debris flows should be taken into consideration. An outdoor physical modelling facility was utilized to study the interaction between debris flows and a flexible barrier. Three continuous debris flow impact tests were conducted to investigate the performance of a flexible barrier affected and overflowed by multiple surges of debris flow. A parameter named Initial Block Ratio (IBR) is introduced in this study to describe the initial condition of a flexible barrier filled by the earlier debris flow surges. By analysing the results of these tests, the dynamic response of a flexible barrier under the impact of multiple surges of debris flow is studied, and the influence of IBR on the interaction of debris flow with the flexible barrier is investigated. Based on the findings of the experimental study, a new simple method is proposed to calculate the loads on a filled flexible barrier overflowed by debris flow. By comparing with the measured impact force in the overflow test, this method has a good performance and can be utilized in design analysis with further calibration.

In the Tibetan Plateau, pronounced topographical relief (steep mountains and deep valleys) coupled with intense weathering processes generates highly fragmented slope surfaces, creating debris-flow source materials with exceptionally heterogeneous grain-size distributions. These conditions frequently produce debris flows that exhibit extraordinary impact forces which cause severe damage to sediment-trap dams. Through 27 sets of flume experiments that systematically varied the particle-size distribution ( d max ), bulk density ( γ ) and flume slope ( θ ), this study investigates the impact mechanisms of wide-graded debris flows on sediment-trap dams. The results demonstrate that debris-flow interactions with sediment-trap dams occur through three distinct phases: (1) impact run-up, (2) rotational backflow and (3) depositional back-silting. Lower bulk-density flows exhibited greater run-up heights and more pronounced phase differentiation. Measured impact forces ( F ) showed an inverse relationship with bulk density ( γ ↑→ F ↓), while displaying positive correlations with both slope gradient ( θ ↑→ F ↑) and maximum particle size ( d max ↑→ F ↑). This occurs because higher- γ flows experience increased internal shear resistance, resulting in a reduction in velocity. Steeper slopes enhance kinematic energy, while larger particles generate more concentrated momentum transfer during impact. Sensitivity analysis revealed that d max exerts dominant control over impact dynamics compared to γ and θ . These findings provide critical insights for sediment-trap dam design in high-altitude debris-flow mitigation systems.

Debris flow is a huge hazard to downstream lives and property, which must be controlled by engineering. The construction of gravity sand retaining dams (hereinafter referred to as sand retaining dams) from the formation area to the circulation area is one of the quick and effective measures. Prevention and control projects often play a role in controlling the development trend of debris flow and reducing the size and frequency of debris flow. Debris flow will cause erosion and impact damage to the dam foundation of sand retaining dams. For the debris flow impact force, the most dangerous part is usually designed based on the largest impact force, while all parts of the dam body are designed according to the most dangerous part, which wastes materials. It's not economical. In this study, a debris flow gully is selected as the research model. Considering the interaction between debris flow and sand retaining dam, the impact simulation of debris flow on sand retaining dam was carried out. The research results show that the existence of the sand retaining dam hinders the movement process of debris flow, changes its speed and direction of movement, and in addition, the impact force varies at different places of upstream face of sand retaining dam. Research results provide a scientific and reasonable theoretical basis and design reference for the stability of sand retaining dam under debris flow impact impact. This will, to a certain extent, have important social needs and practical significance for disaster reduction to improve the technical level of debris flow prevention projects.

Landslides and debris flows that occur around residential areas are considered, globally, as significant disasters that cause damage to human life and property. With terrain slope defining the flow characteristics of debris flows, flow depth, flow velocity, and impact force vary by time and distance. In particular, when a structure is located in the flow path of debris flows, the flow characteristics of debris flows vary by terrain slope and direction angle. To simulate the flow characteristics of these debris flows, the simulation results obtained by FLO-2D were analyzed with six-stage conditions for the research area. In the analysis, the flow depth, flow velocity, and impact force were estimated on the basis of the outlet of the research area in the presence and absence of structure(s) at certain distances. With this, the variation of the impact force in accordance with the variation of the flow depth of the debris flows was highly similar to the simulation results obtained by FLO-2D, when the correction index (α) of the suggested dynamic impact force equation was 0.3–0.4. There were sections where the estimated value of the impact force was overestimated near the outlet, and it was judged that the fixed values of the terrain factors (width, roughness coefficient, slope, etc.) caused the impact force to be overestimated. However, the correlation analysis showed that the correlation index was above the normal ranges in the suggested dynamic impact force equation for debris flows with the application of the terrain factors.

Owing to a recent abnormal weather, landslide and debris flow`s occurrence causes that damage of the urban increases rapidly. Therefore, when the disaster occurres, the disaster prevention method should be required. So, utilization of inactive space, such as a park, retarding basin, reservation area, the ground and parking lot when the urban forms reduces the damage of sediment disaster. It needs development of induction technology. Furthermore, it is necessary to review the induction wall influence by debris flow`s impact force. This study accomplishes about induction wall influence review by debris flow`s impact force. Now facilities and the technology guiding control to landslide and debris flow do not exist. In Japan training wall about reduction method from the damage of lava flow is being installed, but that kind of facilities does not exist in Korea. However, a scale and frequency of landslide and debris flow increases year after year. In the case that the urban forms near mountainous district, technical development of guide control should be needed for reducing damages from landslide and debris flow.

Landslide barrier structures are a useful mitigation tool for managing debris flow risks, working to slow their momentum or alter their course to avoid damage to downslope inhabitants or infrastructure. Their design is typically governed by the expected impact force, which is predicted using analytical models or numerical simulations. These methods only provide estimates of the peak force and require detailed information about the flow at impact that can be difficult to accurately predict. In this experimental study, we use the large Queen’s University Landslide Flume to explore the relative contributions of the fluid and solid phases of a multi-phase flow on the structural demand on a barrier. Impact forces following dam break experiments of up to 0.4 m3 of material, released from the top of a 6.5 m long slope inclined at 30 degrees are explored for material releases of pure water, dry granular particles (3 mm diameter), and fully saturated water-grain mixtures. Temporal impact behaviour captured using ultrahigh speed imaging (7500 fps) is correlated with the time series of impact load measured at the barrier. The addition of the fluid phase was found to significantly increase the impact force and the maximum run-up height along the barrier. Further tests are performed using single-graded particles ranging in diameter from 3-25 mm. Over this range, the dilatancy of the flow increased with increasing particle size, leading to reduced influence of the fluid phase on the flow dynamics and decreased impact force, despite similar flow velocities (4-5 m/s).To explore the performance of an alternate barrier type, impact tests were conducted using a single-slit barrier with varying slit size (30-240 mm) and grain diameter (3-25 mm), providing a wide range of relative slit sizes. A benefit of the slit barrier design is its ability to ‘self-clean,’ letting material slowly release through the slit following an impact event. This allows the barrier to remain effective in halting a secondary debris flow without maintenance clearing between impacts. To explore the dynamics of this subsequent event, secondary releases were performed for both solid and slit barrier designs. Barrier performance is investigated using load measurement, LiDAR imaging, and PIV analysis. The solid barrier experienced overtopping under the second release. The addition of the slit alters the deposit geometry, generating two slopes on either slide of the slit which act as redirection berms, altering the flow behaviour and reducing the runup height and force of the second impact. The results of this large-scale experimental study provide detailed data on the flow behaviour, impact mechanics, and barrier efficiency for a range of debris flow compositions, particle sizes, and slit sizes under single and sequential impacts, suitable for numerical model benchmark tests that may lead to improved barrier design.

Characterization of impact-induced forces and damage to bridge superstructures due to over-height collision

Debris flow is one of the catastrophic geohazard, poses significant threat to all system of infrastructure including buildings, bridges, pipelines and retaining walls. For the sustainable design of oil and gas pipeline prone to debris flow hazard, It is crucial to consider the expected debris flow impact forces to ensure the safe and effective performance of pipeline. This study numerically investigates the dynamic impact of viscous debris flow on exposed pipeline. Altair Hyperwork CFD software was utilized to perform numerical investigation in CFD environment, simulating two-phase debris flow. Hershel Bulkley rheology and Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model was adopted to simulate the complex interaction of debris flow on pipeline. The results revealed that debris flow dynamics are highly dependent on sediment composition, fine content, and flow volume. These factors significantly influence the flow behavior and its potential impact on pipeline infrastructure. Furthermore, this study highlights the critical role of impact forces due to debris flow in pipeline design to enhance the safe and longevity of pipeline system in alpine terrain. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive approach of pipeline design that integrate the advanced numerical techniques with thorough understanding of local geological conditions.

Mining-induced geo-hazards have caused enormous destruction and threat to mines. Known as the "kingdom of nonferrous metals" and located in Southwest China, Yunnan Province developed mining-induced geo-hazards well with characteristics of multiple types, widespread distribution and serious damage. Landslides and debris flows are two common sub-types of geohazards causing most serious damage in Yunnan, and some of them were very representative in the world. Two landslides and two debris flows were chosen to analyze deeply. Both Laojinshan Landslide and Sunjiaqing Landslide possess the characteristic of rock avalanches. The high sliding speed and long distance made the landslides translate into clastic flows with impact force and caused enormous destruction. Rainstorm and mining waste rock were two main factors to induce debris flows in Yunnan mines. Heishan valley debris flow of Dongchuan copper mine was a super large rainstorm type viscose debris flow with very low frequency, which brought a good caution to utilize valleys which looked an unlikely debris flow. Nandagou Valley of Jinding lead-zinc mine in Lanping County was a rainstorm stimulating, gully-type, high frequency and large scale debris flow, which was induced by mining activities. Many countermeasures have been used for Yunnan mines, including engineering treatment technology and ecological remediation, monitoring and forecasting, relocation and public administration.

Abstract. On 10 January 2003, a rockfall of approximately 10 m3 affected a cliff some 25 m high located along the northern slopes of Mt. St. Angelo (Nocera Inferiore, province of Salerno) in the southern Italian region of Campania. The impact of boulders on the lower sector of the slope, along which detrital-pyroclastic soils outcrop, triggered a small channelled debris flow of about 500 m3. Fortunately, no damage nor victims resulted from the landslide. Several marks of the impacts were observed at the cliff toe and outside the collapsed area, and the volumes of some fallen boulders were subsequently measured. By means of in-situ surveys, it was possible to reconstruct the cliff's geo-structural layout in detail. A rockfall back-analysis was subsequently performed along seven critical profiles of the entire slope (surface area of about 4000 m2). The results of this numerical modelling using the lumped-mass method were then used to map the kinetic iso-energy curves. In the triggering area of the debris flow, for a falling boulder of 1 m3, the mean kinetic energy was estimated at 120 kJ, this value being equivalent to an impact force, on an inclined surface, of some 800 kN. After landing, due to the locally high slope gradient (about 45°), and low angle of trajectory at impact (about 23°), some boulders slid down the slope as far as the endpoints. The maximum depth of penetration into the ground by a sliding block was estimated at about 16 cm. Very likely, owing to the high impact force of boulders on the saturated soil slope outcropping at the cliff base, the debris flow was triggered under undrained loading conditions. Initial failure was characterized by a translational slide involving a limited, almost elliptical area where the pyroclastic cover shows greater thickness in comparison with the surrounding areas.

Impact force measurement in Shirodhara