Development of a novel design approach for rigid landslide debris-resisting barriers

Abstract

Natural terrain landslides pose a global threat as they often cause casualties and economic losses. Potential impacts of climate change could further aggravate the landslide risk and robust mitigation measures such as rigid debris-resisting barriers are particularly important in protecting lives and properties. Traditionally, rigid barriers are designed based on empirical approaches which generally oversimplify the dynamic nature of debris-barrier interaction. This often results in overlyconservative designs where the barrier structures are not only bulky and environmentally intrusive, but also difficult to construct. There is thus a pressing need to optimise the design approach. In this regard, the Geotechnical Engineering Office has been endeavouring to enhance the process efficiency, in collaboration with top-notch experts, by capitalising on the latest advancement in computational simulations and physical testing, and improving the understanding of the physical process. A technical breakthrough has been achieved with respect to an improved knowledge in the debris flow dynamic and the complex debris-barrier interaction. A novel design method covering geotechnical and structural aspects has been developed for use in Hong Kong. This would bring about more cost-effective barrier designs, with enhanced design reliability and robustness.