Simulation of debris flow-barrier interaction using the smoothed particle hydrodynamics and coupled Eulerian Lagrangian methods

Abstract

Debris flow events occur when fine soils and sediments are mixed with water, transporting coarse objects such as boulders and woody vegetation (debris) in a fast-moving down-slope flow. As such, debris flow can have catastrophic consequences for the environment, surrounding infrastructure and human life. The mitigation of damage caused by debris flow events is often addressed by rigid and flexible barriers placed in key locations to impede flow. The numerical simulation of interactions between large debris flow events and protective structures necessitates computational methods that model large deformation and flow behaviour as well as barrier performance. Although various numerical methods exist for debris flow modelling, the benefits of each method remain unclear when coupled with the analysis of protective structures. This research investigates debris flow-barrier interaction using two distinct numerical methods – the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian Method (CEL) and Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH). The capabilities and limitations of each method are presented, highlighting the differences in computational cost. The results of simulations indicate preferable methods for modelling fluid-structure interaction for assessing the performance of debris flow-protective barrier structures. • The application of CEL and SPH methods in modelling of debris is investigated. • The capabilities and limitations of each method are studied. • Simulation of debris flow-boulders-barrier interactions is presented. • The effect of mesh and particle density is explained.