Development of “Kanako 2D (Ver.2.00),” a user-friendly one- and two-dimensional debris flow simulator equipped with a graphical user interface

Abstract

Debris flows often cause substantial losses of human life as well as economic losses. Damage can be estimated using numerical simulation models that describe the debris flow process. Some models can be used to determine the possible effects of sabo dams and have been practically employed to plan sabo dam arrangement. However, the existing simulation systems currently do not have efficient user interfaces, making it difficult for non-experts in debris flow simulations to run simulations without the aid of specialists. We developed a system that produces one- and two-dimensional debris flow simulations and is equipped with a graphical user interface. The system is based on an integration model and employs one-dimensional simulations of gully areas and two-dimensional simulations of alluvial fan areas; it then considers mutual influences in boundary areas between gullies and alluvial fans. Data can be input using a mouse and viewed on the monitor, and users can see real-time visualized images of a debris flow during a simulation. The interface enables users to run a debris-flow simulation without expert knowledge of the model, enabling better solutions for sabo engineering.