Abstract
Abstract. Mass movements such as debris flows and landslides differ in behaviour due to their material properties and internal forces. Models employ generalized multi-phase flow equations to adaptively describe these complex flow types. Such models commonly assume unstructured and fragmented flow, where internal cohesive strength is insignificant. In this work, existing work on two-phase mass movement equations are extended to include a full stress–strain relationship that allows for runout of (semi-)structured fluid–solid masses. The work provides both the three-dimensional equations and depth-averaged simplifications. The equations are implemented in a hybrid material point method (MPM), which allows for efficient simulation of stress–strain relationships on discrete smooth particles. Using this framework, the developed model is compared to several flume experiments of clay blocks impacting fixed obstacles. Here, both final deposit patterns and fractures compare well to simulations. Additionally, numerical tests are performed to showcase the range of dynamical behaviour produced by the model. Important processes such as fracturing, fragmentation and fluid release are captured by the model. While this provides an important step towards complete mass movement models, several new opportunities arise, such as application to fragmenting mass movements and block slides.
Highlights
The Earth’s rock cycle involves sudden release and gravitydriven transport of sloping materials
We have presented a novel generalized mass movement model that can describe both unstructured mixture flows and structured movements of Mohr–Coulomb-type material
The model was implemented in a GPU-based material point method (MPM) Code
Summary
The Earth’s rock cycle involves sudden release and gravitydriven transport of sloping materials. These mass movements have a significant global impact in financial damage and casualties (Nadim et al, 2006; Kjekstad and Highland, 2009). Understanding the physical principles at work at their initiation and runout phase allows for better mitigation and adaptation to the hazard they induce (Corominas et al, 2014). Many varieties of gravitationally driven mass movements have been categorized according to their material physical parameters and type of movement. Major factors in determining the dynamics of mass movement runout are the composition of the moving material and the internal and external forces during initiation and runout
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