Model tests for surge height of rock avalanche–debris flows based on momentum balance

Rock avalanche–debris flows triggered by earthquakes commonly take place in mountainous areas.When entering a body of water,due to good fluidity they can move for some time instead of halting in water.In this study,we proposed a method for calculating the surge height of rock avalanche–debris flows based on momentum balance and designed a series of model tests to validate this method.The experimental variables include the initial water depth,landslide velocity,and landslide volume.According to the experimental results,we analyzed the maximum wave height in sliding zone based on momentum balance.In addition,we investigated the surge height and proposed the calculation method in propagating zone and running up zone.In this way,we can find out the surge height in different areas when a rock avalanche–debris flow impacts into the water,which could provide a basis for analyzing the burst of barrier lakes.

Dynamic-based model for calculating the boulder impact force in debris flow

The boulder impact force in debris flow is generally calculated by static methods such as the cantilever beam models.However,these methods cannot describe the dynamic scenario of boulder collision on structures,so the inertia and damping effects of the structures are not involved causing an overestimation on the boulder impact force.In order to address this issue,a dynamic-based model for calculating the boulder impact force of a debris flow was proposed in this study,and the dynamic characteristics of a cantilever beam with multiple degrees of freedom under boulder collision were investigated.By using the drop-weight method to simulate boulders within debris flow,seven experiments of drop-weight impacting the cantilever beam were used to calibrate the error of the dynamicbased model.Results indicate that the dynamic-based model is able to reconstruct the impact force history on the cantilever beam during impact time and the error of dynamic-based model is 15.3%in calculating boulder impact force,significantly outperforming the cantilever beam model’s error of 285%.Therefore,the dynamic-based model can overcome the drawbacks of the static-based models and provide a more reliable theoretical foundation for the engineering design of debris flow control structures.

Classification and Facies Sequence Model of Subaqueous Debris Flows

Objective Debris flows are cohesive sediment gravity flows which occur in both subaerial and subaqueous settings. Compared to subaerial debris flows which have been well studied as a geological hazard, subaqueous debris flows showing complicated sediment composition and sedimentary processes were poorly understood. The main objective of this work is to establish a classification scheme and facies sequence models of subaqueous debris flows for well understanding their sedimentary processes and depositional characteristics.

Sedimentary Microfacies and Porosity Modeling of Deep-Water Sandy Debris Flows by Combining Sedimentary Patterns with Seismic Data： An Example from Unit I of Gas Field A, South China Sea

Sandy debris flow deposits are present in Unit I during Miocene of Gas Field A in the Baiyun Depression of the South China Sea. The paucity of well data and the great variability of the sedimentary microfacies make it difficult to identify and predict the distribution patterns of the main gas reservoir, and have seriously hindered further exploration and development of the gas field. Therefore, making full use of the available seismic data is extremely important for predicting the spatial distribution of sedimentary microfacies when constructing three-dimensional reservoir models. A suitable reservoir modeling strategy or workflow controlled by sedimentary microfacies and seismic data has been developed. Five types of seismic attributes were selected to correlate with the sand percentage, and the root mean square （RMS） amplitude performed the best. The relation between the RMS amplitude and the sand percentage was used to construct a reservoir sand distribution map. Three types of main sedimentary microfacies were identified： debris channels, fan lobes, and natural levees. Using constraints from the sedimentary microfacies boundaries, a sedimentary microfacies model was constructed using the sequential indicator and assigned value simulation methods. Finally, reservoir models of physical properties for sandy debris flow deposits controlled by sedimentary microfacies and seismic inversion data were established. Property cutoff values were adopted because the sedimentary microfacies and the reservoir properties from well-logging interpretation are intrinsically different. Selection of appropriate reservoir property cutoffs is a key step in reservoir modeling when using simulation methods based on sedimentary microfacies control. When the abnormal data are truncated and the reservoir properties probability distribution fits a normal distribution, microfacies-controlled reservoir property models are more reliable than those obtained from the sequence Gauss simulation method. The cutoffs for effective porosity of the debris channel, fan lobe, and natural levee facies were 0.2, 0.09, and 0.12, respectively; the corresponding average effective porosities were 0.24, 0.13, and 0.15. The proposed modeling method makes full use of seismic attributes and seismic inversion data, and also makes the property data of single-well depositional microfacies more conformable to a normal distribution with geological significance. Thus, the method allows use of more reliable input data when we construct a model of a sandy debris flow.

Debris flow simulation 2D(DFS 2D):Numerical modelling of debris flows and calibration of friction parameters

Debris flows are rapid mass movements with a mixture of rock,soil and water.High-intensity rainfall events have triggered multiple debris flows around the globe,making it an important concern from the disaster management perspective.This study presents a numerical model called debris flow simulation 2D(DFS 2D)and applicability of the proposed model is investigated through the values of the model parameters used for the reproduction of an occurred debris flow at Yindongzi gully in China on 13 August 2010.The model can be used to simulate debris flows using three different rheologies and has a userfriendly interface for providing the inputs.Using DFS 2D,flow parameters can be estimated with respect to space and time.The values of the flow resistance parameters of model,dry-Coulomb and turbulent friction,were calibrated through the back analysis and the values obtained are 0.1 and 1000 m/s^(2),respectively.Two new methods of calibration are proposed in this study,considering the crosssectional area of flow and topographical changes induced by the debris flow.The proposed methods of calibration provide an effective solution to the cumulative errors induced by coarse-resolution digital elevation models(DEMs)in numerical modelling of debris flows.The statistical indices such as Willmott's index of agreement,mean-absolute-error,and normalized-root-mean-square-error of the calibrated model are 0.5,1.02 and 1.44,respectively.The comparison between simulated and observed values of topographic changes indicates that DFS 2D provides satisfactory results and can be used for dynamic modelling of debris flows.

A quasi single-phase model for debris flows and its comparison with a two-phase model

A depth-averaged quasi single-phase mixture model is proposed for debris flows over inclined bed slopes based on the shallow water hydrosediment-morphodynamic theory with multi grain sizes. The stresses due to fluctuations are incorporated based on analogy to turbulent flows, as estimated using the depth-averaged k-? turbulence model and a modification component. A fully conservative numerical algorithm, using wellbalanced slope limited centred scheme, is deployed to solve the governing equations. The present quasi single-phase model using four closure relationships for the bed shear stresses is evaluated against USGS experimental debris flow and compared with traditional quasi single-phase models and a recent physically enhanced two-phase model. It is found that the present quasi single-phase model performs much better than the traditional models, and is attractive in terms of computational cost while the two-phase model performs even better appreciably.

Debris Flows Introduced in Landslide Deposits under Rainfall Conditions:The Case of Wenjiagou Gully

Debris flows often occur in landslide deposits during heavy rainstorms.Debris flows are initiated by surface water runoff and unsaturated seepage under rainfall conditions.A physical model based on an infinitely long,uniform and void-rich sediment layer was applied to analyze the triggering of debris-flow introduced in landslide deposits.To determine the initiation condition for rainfall-induced debris flows,we conducted a surface water runoff and saturated-unsaturated seepage numerical program to model rainfall infiltration and runoff on a slope.This program was combined with physical modeling and stability analysis to make certain the initiation condition for rainfall-introduced debris flows.Taking the landslide deposits at Wenjiagou gully as an example,the initiation conditions for debris flow were computed.The results show that increase height of surface-water runoff and the decrease of saturated sediment shear strength of are the main reasons for triggering debris-flows under heavy rainfall conditions.The debris-flow triggering is affected by the depth of surface-water runoff,the slope saturation and shear strength of the sediment.

Coupled Model of Two-phase Debris Flow,Sediment Transport and Morphological Evolution

The volume fraction of the solid and liquid phase of debris flows, which evolves simultaneously across terrains, largely determines the dynamic property of debris flows. The entrainment process significantly influences the amplitude of the volume fraction. In this paper, we present a depth-averaged two-phase debris-flow model describing the simultaneous evolution of the phase velocity and depth, the solid and fluid volume fractions and the bed morphological evolution. The model employs the Mohr–Coulomb plasticity for the solid stress, and the fluid stress is modeled as a Newtonian viscous stress. The interfacial momentum transfer includes viscous drag and buoyancy. A new extended entrainment rate formula that satisfies the boundary momentum jump condition （Iverson and Ouyang, 2015） is presented. In this formula, the basal traction stress is a function of the solid volume fraction and can take advantage of both the Coulomb and velocity-dependent friction models. A finite volume method using Roe’s Riemann approximation is suggested to solve the equations. Three computational cases are conducted and compared with experiments or previous results. The results show that the current computational model and framework are robust and suitable for capturing the characteristics of debris flows.

Early warning model for slope debris flow initiation

Early warning model of debris flow is important for providing local residents with reliable and accurate warning information to escape from debris flow hazards. This research studied the debris flow initiation in the Yindongzi gully in Dujiangyan City, Sichuan province, China with scaled-down model experiments. We set rainfall intensity and slope angle as dominating parameters and carried out 20 scaled-down model tests under artificial rainfall conditions. The experiments set four slope angles(32°, 34°, 37°, 42°) and five rainfall intensities(60 mm/h, 90 mm/h, 120 mm/h, 150 mm/h, and 180 mm/h) treatments. The characteristic variables in the experiments, such as, rainfall duration, pore water pressure, moisture content, surface inclination, and volume were monitored. The experimental results revealed the failure mode of loose slope material and the process of slope debris flow initiation, as well as the relationship between the surface deformation and the physical parameters of experimental model. A traditional rainfall intensity-duration early warning model(I-D model) was firstly established by using a mathematical regression analysis, and it was then improved into ISD model and ISM model(Here, I is rainfall Intensity, S is Slope angle, D is rainfall Duration, and M is Moisture content). The warning model can provide reliable early warning of slope debris flow initiation.

Curvature derived from LiDAR digital elevation models as simple indicators of debris-flow susceptibility

To mitigate the damage caused by debris flows resulting from heavy precipitation and to aid in evacuation plan preparation, areas at risk should be mapped on a scale appropriate for affected individuals and communities. We tested the effectiveness of simply identifying debris-flow hazards through automated derivation of surface curvatures using LiDAR digital elevation models. We achieved useful correspondence between plan curvatures and areas of existing debris-flow damage in two localities in Japan using the analysis of digital elevation models(DEMs). We found that plan curvatures derived from 10 m DEMs may be useful to indicate areas that are susceptible to debris flow in mountainous areas. In residential areas located on gentle sloping debris flow fans, the greatest damage to houses was found to be located in the elongated depressions that are connected to mountain stream valleys. Plan curvaturederived from 5 m DEM was the most sensitive indicators for susceptibility to debris flows.

Impact failure models and application condition of trees in debris-flow hazard mitigation

Forestry has played an important role in hazard mitigation associated with debris flows.Most forest mitigation measures refer to the experience of soil and water conservation,which disregard the destructive effect of debris flows,causing potentially serious consequences.Determination of the effect of a forest on reducing debris-flow velocity and even stopping debris flows requires distinguishing between when the debris flow will destroy the forest and when the trees will withstand the debris-flow impact force.In this paper,we summarized two impact failure models of a single tree: stem breakage and overturning.The influences of different tree sizes characteristics(stem base diameter,tree weight,and root failure radius) and debris-flow characteristics(density,velocity,flow depth,and boulder diameter) on tree failure were analyzed.The observations obtained from the model adopted in this study show that trees are more prone to stem breakage than overturning.With an increase in tree size,the ability to resist stem breakage and overturning increases.Debris-flow density influences the critical failure conditions of trees substantially less than the debrisflow velocity,depth,and boulder diameter.The application conditions of forests in debris-flow hazard mitigation were proposed based on the analysis of the model results.The proposed models were applied in the Xiajijiehaizi Gully as a case study,and the results explain the destruction of trees in the forest dispersing zone.This work provides references for implementing forest measures for debris-flow hazard mitigation.

Comparison of Debris Flow Characteristics Obtained by Using Video Materials and Modeling

Velocity of debris flow is one of the most important characteristics for the protective construction design. Since debris flows are rare events, and observations are conducted only on stations in Russia, Ukraine, Italy, Switzerland, USA, China, Japan and New Zealand, the velocity is calculated rather than measured. Nowadays, a large number of videos with passing debris flows have appeared on the Internet. Scientists can use such video materials to obtain qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the debris flow. Therefore, the aim of our research is an attempt to measure the debris flow velocity using video materials and compare the obtained results with the calculated values using various methods. The debris flow that came down in Firgen, Austria on August 4, 2012 was chosen as the object of our study. The video was carried out from several angles, so it was possible to select a section of the channel, through which we could measure the debris flows waves velocity. In addition, we calculated the velocities of waves by formulas adopted in the regulatory documents and compared with the measured by video values. During the video analysis, debris flow velocities at different sites were observed: minimum—7.2 m/s and maximum—10 m/s. The calculated values varied from 4.5 m/s to 11.4 m/s. Moreover, we applied model of the transport-shear process of debris flow formation developed by Yu. B. Vinogradov. When we were comparing the obtained debris flow discharges with results from Austrian colleagues, we found out that the values were similar to each other. However, internal scatter in the model changed from 151 to 190 m3/s, while in the report of Austrian colleagues the discharges were from 80 to 250 m3/s.

Centrifuge model tests of the formation mechanism of coarse sand debris flow

Using the self-developed visualization test apparatus, centrifuge model tests at 20 g were carried out to research the macro and microscopic formation mechanism of coarse sand debris flows. The formation mode and soil-water interaction mechanism of the debris flows were analyzed from both macroscopic and microscopic points of view respectively using high digital imaging equipment and micro-structure analysis software Geodip. The test results indicate that the forming process of debris flow mainly consists of three stages, namely the infiltration and softening stage, the overall slide stage, and debris flow stage. The essence of simulated coarse sand slope forming debris flow is that local fluidization cause slope to wholly slide. The movement of small particles forms a transient stagnant layer with increasing saturation, causing soil shear strength lost and local fluidization. When the driving force of the saturated soil exceeds the resisting force, debris flow happens on the coarse sand slope immediately.

Characteristics of debris flow impact on a double-row slit dam

To accurately predict impact loads can ensure the safe operation of debris flow control projects.The instantaneous impact process is usually considered in the calculation of the debris flow impact force;however,the redistribution of an impact load after structural regulation is unclear.In this study we deduced the theoretical calculation of a debris flow impact on a double-row slit dam,and carried out a verification experiment on the debris flow impact.The calculation model considers the influence of the debris flow properties,dam arrangement and pile material.The results show that the impact force of the debris flow is obviously affected by the bulk density.When the bulk density is 21 kg/m^(3),the maximum impact force on the pile dam is 1.15 times that when the bulk density is 15 kg/m^(3),but the time it takes for the debris flow to pass through the dam body is reduced by 60%.The larger the relative pile spacing,the more sufficient the flow space and the lower the maximum impact force.The maximum impact force of relative pile spacing of 0.8 is 12%less than that of elative pile spacing of 0.5.The horizontal distribution of the impact force in the mud depth range is parabolic.The maximum impact force on the centre pier is 1.3 times that of a side pier,and the maximum impact force on the dam body appears at the top of the mud depth range.From the vertical distribution of the impact force,the maximum impact force at the highest mud mark is approximately 70%of that of the bottom.With the increase in the relative pile spacing,the longitudinal maximum impact force distribution first decreases and then increases.

Velocity profile of debris flow based on quadratic rheology model

The quadratic rheology model considers the yield stress,viscous stress,turbulent stress and disperse stress,so it is used in this study to derive the velocity profile of debris flows.The quadratic model with the parabolic eddy viscosity was numerically solved,and an analytical solution was derived for the quadratic model with a constant eddy viscosity.These two solutions were compared with the Arai-Takahashi model that excluded the viscous stress and the yield stress.The three models were tested by using 17 experiment cases of debris flows over rigid beds.The results prove that the quadratic model with parabolic and constant eddy viscosities is applicable to muddy and granular flows,whereas the Arai-Takahashi model tends to overestimate the flow velocity near the water surface if a plug-like layer exists.In addition,the von Karman constant and the zero-velocity elevation in the three models are related to sediment concentration.The von Karman constant decreases first and then increases as the sediment concentration increases.The zero-velocity elevation is below the bed surface,likely due to the invalidity of the non-slip boundary condition for the debris flows over fixed beds.

Comparison of Debris Flow Modeling Results with Empirical Formulas Applied to Russian Mountains Areas

Construction of debris flow protection structures is impossible without studying the processes first. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to calculate the magnitude of debris flows in three study areas. Initial information was provided by JSC Sevkavgiprovodkhoz and the Research Center “Geodinamika”. The first object of this research was the river Ardon and its tributary the Buddon, because of disastrous consequences for Mizur village of passed debris flows and floods. Modeling of unsteady water movement was carried out for estimation of potential flooding. During modeling, 5 cases of flash floods and debris flows of various probabilities from 0.5% to 1% percent were considered. Therefore, maximum floods for the cross-sections above and in the Mizur village itself were obtained. The second study area was the Chat-Bash stream, which is also situated in the north of Caucasus mountains. For this stream, the maximum discharge that could impact the mining complex at Tyrnyauz was determined. The third study area was the Krasnoselskaia river due to frequent floods in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Applying three cases of various probabilities from 10% to 0.1%, the model determined maximum discharge and water level for the last cross-section above confluence into the Susuya river. Numerical experiments for all study areas with different roughness values were conducted to identify optimal ones. Comparing the model results for all study areas with empirical formulas (Golubcov V.V., Herheulidze I.I., Kkhann, Sribnyj and ASFS of EMERCOM of Russia) revealed that formulas contain only average depth slope angle and empirical coefficients and do not allow estimating flood areas and maximum characteristics of the event with a certain degree of accuracy.

Impact pressure of debris flow on beam dam

The use of open-type check dams in mountainous areas has become common practice in order to mitigate the effects of debris flow and extend the service life of engineering structures.The beam dam,a common debris flow control system,has received less attention in research on the impact process of debris flow and check dams compared to solid check dams.Additionally,the estimation of impact pressure in debris flow primarily considers debris flow characteristics,without taking into account the influence of geometric characteristics of the transmission structure.To better understand the impact process of debris flow on beam dams,a series of small-scale debris flow impact tests were conducted in a model flume.Key parameters,including velocity,depth,and impact pressure,were measured.The results show that the maximum impact pressure of debris flow is affected by both the characteristics of the debris flow and the relative opening size of the beam dam.Due to flow and edge occlusion in the middle of the beam dam,the discharge of debris flow is enhanced,resulting in a longer impact process and higher maximum impact pressure.Based on these findings,a calculation model of the maximum impact pressure of debris flow at the midpoint of the middle beam is proposed,which can be used to estimate the impact of debris flow on the discharge part of the beam dam.

Morphodynamics and sediment connectivity index in an unmanaged,debris-flow prone catchment:a through time perspective

Torrential processes are among the main actors responsible for sediment production and mobility in mountain catchments.For this reason,the understanding of preferential pathways for sediment routing has become a priority in hazard assessment and mitigation.In this context,the sediment Connectivity Index(IC)enables to analyse the existing linkage between sediment sources and the selected target(channel network or catchment outlet).The IC is a grid-based index that allows fast computation of sediment connectivity based on landscape information derived from a single Digital Terrain Model(DTM).The index computation is based on the log-ratio between an upslope and a downslope component,including information about drainage area,slope,terrain roughness,and distance to the analysis target(e.g.outlet).The output is a map that highlights the degree of structural connectivity of sediment pathways over analysed catchments.Until now,these maps are however rarely used to help defining debris-flow hazard maps,notably due to a lack of guidelines to interpret the IC spatial distribution.This paper proposes an exploitation procedure along profiles to extract more information from the analysis of mapped IC values.The methodology relies on the analysis of the IC and its component variables along the main channel profile,integrated with information about sediment budgeting derived from Difference of DEMs(DoD).The study of connectivity was applied in the unmanaged sub-catchment(without torrent control works)of the Rio Soial(Autonomous Province of Trento–NE Italy)to understanding the geomorphic evolution of the area after five debris flows(in ten years)and the related changes of sediment connectivity.Using a recent DTM as validation,we demonstrated how an IC analysis over the older DTM can help predicting geomorphic changes and associated hazards.The results show an IC aptitude to capture geomorphic trajectories,anticipate debris flow deposits in a specific channel location,and depict preferential routing pathways.

泥石流危险范围Laharz修正模型及其应用

泥石流危险区研究涉及触发条件、物源与地形等多种因素,需要开发快速、有效的方法进行危险范围分析。本文基于Laharz基本原理,以泥石流样本为数据基础拟合得到修正模型,并以重庆市巫溪县杨家湾沟为例,采用修正的Laharz ArcGIS工具包,在不同降雨重现期条件下对泥石流堆积范围进行模拟计算。结果表明:1)采用修正参数使Laharz模型统计量参数的和方差(SSE)和均方根误差(RMSE)减小,确定系数(R^(2))增大,拟合优度得到明显提高;2)基于数字高程模型,结合现场调查推算的物源体积,在ArcGIS平台采用Laharz工具包可快速模拟不同降雨重现期(10、20、50、100 a)条件下的泥石流堆积范围,并且模拟泥石流堆积宽度与现场调查堆积范围接近,大部分重合;3)采用Laharz修正模型与传统的FLO-2D软件模拟进行对比,其中最远冲出距离、最大堆积宽度和堆积面积在两种方法下模拟结果的差值比率分别在10.00%、15.00%和20.00%量级,采用两种方法模拟结果与实地勘查结果也相近,表明Laharz修正模型具可靠性。

基于改进云模型和线性规划优化算法的山区泥石流危险性评价

泥石流是一种由暴雨或地震诱发常发生在山区的破坏力强大的地质灾害,为了提前预防和减少其破坏能力,使用特定算法评价其危险性十分必要。采用云模型雾化特性对各评价指标权重进行一致性检验后耦合,得到合理的权重阈值区间。以线性规划优化算法通过设定目标函数后对各评价指标在权重区间内动态取值,从而得到各个泥石流沟渠最危险评分。改进了单指标的云数字特征公式,构建覆盖更全面的综合云模型,输入最大危险评分对研究区泥石流沟渠进行危险性分级。将该研究应用在汶川地震后北川县产生的72条泥石流沟渠实例中,其评价结果显示与研究区实际地形环境情况相吻合,为相似类型泥石流灾害的预防提供了新思路。