Parameters Of Debris Flows Research Articles

Analyzing the Diversion Effect of Debris Flow in Cross Channels Utilizing Two-Phase Flow Theory and the Principle of Energy Conservation

The movement process of debris flow in the complex roads system is important for risk evaluation and emergency rescue. This paper presents an in-depth study of the diversion effect of debris flow in cross channels, a common branching structure in both natural and engineered environments, especially in the field of urban debris flow prevention. A mathematical model is established based on the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy, and a solid–liquid two-phase motion equation for debris flow is derived from two-phase flow theory. A numerical solution method, combining the finite difference method and finite volume method, is employed to discretize and solve the equation. The model’s validity and effectiveness are confirmed through a numerical simulation of a typical engineering case and comparison with existing experimental data or theoretical results. This study reveals that debris flow at cross channels exhibits a diversion phenomenon, with some debris flow continuing downstream along the main channel and some diverting into the branch channel. The diversion rate, defined as the ratio of outlet flow to inlet flow of the branch channel, indicates the magnitude of this effect. This research shows that the solid–liquid ratio, inflow, width ratio, height ratio, and angle of the cross channel significantly impact the diversion effect. A series of numerical simulations are conducted by altering these parameters as well as the physical properties of debris flow and boundary conditions. These simulations analyze changes in flow rate, velocity, pressure, and other parameters of debris flow at cross channels, providing insights into the factors and mechanisms influencing the diversion effect. This research offers a robust instrument for comprehending and forecasting the dynamics of urban debris flows. It contributes significantly to mitigating the effects of debris flows on city infrastructure and enhancing the safety of city dwellers.

Modeling Shallow Landslide Runout Distance in Eocene Flysch Facies Using Empirical–Statistical Models (Western Black Sea Region of Türkiye)

Uncertainties related to runout distances in shallow landslide analyses may not only affect lives but may also result in economic losses. Owing to the increase in shallow landslides, which are especially triggered by heavy rainfall, runout distances have been investigated to decipher whether applications of a functional runout distance are feasible. This paper aims to give insights into the modeling of the shallow landslide runout probability in Eocene flysch facies in the Western Black Sea region of Türkiye. There are two main stages in this study—which are dominated by empirical models, the detection of initiation points, and propagation—which help us to understand and visualize the possible runout distances in the study area. Shallow landslide initiation point determination using machine learning has a critical role in the ordered tasks in this study. Modified Holmgren and simplified friction-limited model (SFLM) parameters were applied to provide a good approximation of runout distances during the propagation stage using Flow-R software. The empirical model parameters suggested for debris flows and shallow landslides were investigated comparatively. The runout distance models had approximately the same performance depending on the debris flow and shallow landslide parameters. While the impacted total runout areas for the debris flow parameters were predicted to amount to approximately 146 km2, the impacted total runout areas for the shallow landslide parameters were estimated to be about 101 km2. Considering the inclusion of the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 precipitation scenarios in the analyses, this also shows that the shallow landslide and debris flow runout distance impact areas will decrease. The investigation of runout distance analyses and the inclusion of the RCP scenarios in the runout analyses are highly intriguing for landslide researchers.

Formation Conditions And Debris Flow Regime In Jiangjia Ravine, Yunnan, China – Applicability Of Russian Methodology

The requirements of the debris flows’ parameters assessments vary from country to country. They are based on different theoretical and empirical constructions and are validated by data from different regions. This makes difficult comparison of the reported results on estimated debris flows activity and extent. The Russian normative documents for the debris flows’ parameters calculations are based on empirically-measured parameters in wide range of geological and climatic conditions at the territory of former USSR, but still not cover all the possible conditions of debris flow formation. An attempt was made to check applicability of the Russian empirical constructions for the conditions of the debris flows formation in Yunnan, China, where unique long-term dataset of debris flows characteristics is collected by the Dongchuan Debris Flow Observation and Research Station. The results show, that in general the accepted in Russia methodology of calculation of the parameters of debris flows of certain probability corresponded well to the observed in Dongchuan debris flows characteristics. Some discrepancies (in the average debris flow depth) can be explained by unknown exact return period of the actually observed debris flows. This allowed to conclude that the presently adopted empirical dependencies based on country-wide (USSR) empirical data can be extrapolated up to the monsoon climate and geological conditions of Yunnan province.

Runout modeling and calibration of friction parameters of Kurichermala debris flow, India

Debris flows account for a substantial economy and property loss in Western Ghats of Kerala, India, especially during monsoon seasons. Wayanad district is an active erosion zone in the plateau margins of Western Ghats, and there is a remarkable rise in the number of debris flows since 2018, due to very high-intensity rainfalls in this region. This study comprises geotechnical investigation, runout modeling, and calibration of friction parameters of Kurichermala debris flow, one of the devastating debris flow events that happened in Wayanad, during the 2018 monsoon. The detailed investigation and back analysis of such events are substantial in calibrating the flow parameters for the region. These parameters can be used for predicting the flow paths of possible debris flows and quantitative risk assessment in the future. The geotechnical investigation provided vital information regarding the soil type and shear strength parameters of the debris flow and has helped in understanding the flow behavior. A dynamic numerical model, rapid mass movements (RAMMS), was used for the back analysis of the debris flow, using the shape information of the flow. For precise calibration using statistical comparison, an image processing tool has been developed, to compare the structural similarity of simulated results with the original shape of debris flow. The dry-Coulomb friction coefficient (μ) was calibrated as 0.01 and turbulent friction coefficient (ξ) as 100 m/s2 for the event, using Voellmy-Salm rheology. The shape predicted by the model had a similarity index of 0.626 with the actual shape of debris flow. The results were found to be in accordance with the field and geotechnical observations. Hence, the results can be used to predict the shape of possible debris flows in the study area. The study is the first of its kind for the region and has significant influence in risk assessment for this highly susceptible landslide zone.

Velocity of Debris Flow Determined by Grain Composition

AbstractVelocity is one of the most important parameters of debris flows, and it is usually calculated using Manning formula in hydraulics, mostly ignoring the granular effects due to flow material...

DEBRIS FLOW CHECK CONSTRUCTIONS SITUATED NEAR THE MOUTH OF RIVERS OF THE SAKHALIN ISLAND

The significant part of roads and railways of the Sakhalin Island are located in the coastal zone of the sea, in the lower part of the debris flow transit zone. Debris flows cause blockages and damage to the roadways. In some areas of the island are sites where the number of debris flow basins is 30-40 per km. Basically, these are slope debris flows, which are formed annually during precipitation of liquid precipitation, and whose volume can reach 500 m3. At the same time, debris flows can play an important role in the formation of beaches and protection from abrasion due to the removal of material to the mouth of the rivers. Transport of debris flow material to the coastal zone on the Sakhalin Island is carried out on the coasts of the Gulf of Patience, the Gulf of Aniva, the Tatar Strait, etc. Beach savings are the best of its natural protection against destruction. Therefore, the need to build seepage facilities is due not only to the need to protect the roadway, but also the importance of transporting debris flow material to the beach area. Characteristics of debris flows in the coastal zone of the island differ in a number of parameters, such as the volume of debris slides, the frequency of formation of debris flows, the type of debris flows, the size of carried fragments of rocks; therefore, when choosing a debris flow protection facility, it is necessary to be guided both by the parameters of debris flows and by the role of debris flows in the formation of beaches. The paper examines the current state of water chute and debris flows chute under the roads in the near-mouth parts of debris flow rivers, as well as the expediency of selecting debris flow protection structures depending on the characteristics of debris flows.

An effectiveness evaluation method for debris flow control engineering for cascading hydropower stations along the Jinsha River, China

Four large hydropower stations are located along the Jinsha River, in an area that has the highest frequency of large damaging debris flows in China. The total power generation capacity of the dams is >42 million kilowatts. Through field investigation, laboratory analysis, model calculation, and statistical analysis, we studied the debris flows occurring in the gullies near the Baihetan hydropower station to determine the characteristics of their dynamic parameters and the effectiveness of existing debris flow control measures. The dynamic parameters of debris flows vary significantly because of the different characteristics of the fluvial basins and their longitudinal slope gradients. Evaluation results showed that the existing debris flow control measures in the Aizi and Dazhai gullies should be able to withstand events with 100-year recurrence period. The debris flow risk in these gullies is therefore low in the present situation. It is important to note that these control measures would also be adequate for events with 500-year recurrence period; therefore, the debris flow risk would remain low in the theoretical future situations. We propose an evaluation method of the effectiveness of debris flow engineering control based on an analysis of the engineering measurements' effectiveness. The research results can be implemented to improve the design of the Baihetan hydropower station. More importantly, the results can be applied for the development of evaluation methods of the effectiveness of other similar and significant projects in China and elsewhere.

An example of a hazard and risk assessment for debris flows—A case study of Niwan Gully, Wudu, China

The highly geologically active, structurally complex Bailongjiang river basin, Longnan City, Gansu Province hosts many debris-flow gullies. The recent Wenchuan and Jiuzhaigou earthquakes have increased the amount of source material available in these debris flow gullies, and the disturbed nature of the slopes makes them prone to failure under high rainfall, increasing the risk of large-scale debris flows. Moreover, poor urban planning in the region may multiply the human and economic losses caused by debris flows. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the potential hazard zones associated with such debris flows and to implement debris flow hazard and risk assessment. In this paper, Niwan gully is chosen as the study object, as it is characterized by repeated debris flow outbreaks and an ill-considered urban planning at the outlet of the gully. A depth-integrated continuum method is adopted to determine the potential hazard zones of debris flows with different recurrence intervals. The debris flow inundation and evolutionary trajectory are shown to be reasonably comparable with historical debris flows. A two-factor model that couples maximum flow depth with momentum is used to better classify the hazard zones. This study also provides a complete and efficient means to determine the values of debris flow parameters and to implement a hazard and risk assessment based on the solid material reserve method and a probabilistic method. This proposed approach efficiently generated a debris flow risk distribution map that can be used for effective disaster prevention in the Bailongjiang River basin.

Development of structural debris flow fragility curves (debris flow buildings resistance) using momentum flux rate as a hazard parameter

Societal risks associated with debris flow hazards are significant and likely to escalate due to global population growth trends and the compounding effects of climate change. Quantitative risk assessment methods (QRA) provide a means of anticipating the likely impacts and consequences of settlement in areas susceptible to landslide activity and are increasingly being used to inform land use decisions that seek to increase disaster resilience through mitigation and/or adaptation. Current QRA methods for debris flow hazards are based primarily on empirical vulnerability functions that relate hazard intensity (depth, velocity, etc.) to expected levels of loss for a given asset of concern, i.e. most of current methods are dedicated to loss-intensity relations. Though grounded in observed cause-effect relationships, empirical vulnerability functions are not designed to predict the capacity of a building to withstand the physical impacts of a debris flow event, or the related uncertainties associated with modelling building performance as a function of variable debris flow parameters. This paper describes a methodology for developing functions that relate hazard intensity to probability of structural damage, i.e., fragility functions, rather than vulnerability functions, based on the combined hydrodynamic forces of a debris flow event (hazard level) and the inherent structural resistance of building typologies that are common in rural mountainous settings (building performance).Hazard level includes a hydrodynamic force variable (FDF), which accounts for the combined effects of debris flow depth and velocity, i.e. momentum flux (hv2), material density (ρ) and related flow characteristics including drag (Cd) and impact coefficient (Kd). Building performance is measured in terms of yield strength (Ay), ultimate lateral capacity (AU) and weight to breadth ratios (W/B) defined for a portfolio building types that are common in mountain settlements. Collectively, these model parameters are combined using probabilistic methods to produce building-specific fragility functions that describe the probability of reaching or exceeding successive thresholds of structural damage over a range of hazard intensity values, expressed in terms of momentum flux. Validation of the proposed fragility model is based on a comparison between model outputs and observed cause-effect relationships for recent debris flow events in South Korea and in Colombia. Debris flow impact momentum fluxes, capable of resulting in complete damage to unreinforced masonry buildings (URM) in those regions are estimated to be on the order of 24 m3/s2, consistent with field-based observations. Results of our study offer additional capabilities for assessing risks associated with urban growth and development in areas exposed to debris flow hazards.

Debris flow density determined by grain composition

Density is one of the most important parameters of debris flows. Because observing an active debris flow is very difficult, finding a method to estimate debris flow density is urgently needed for disaster mitigation engineering. This paper proposes an effective empirical equation in terms of grain size distribution (GSD) parameters based on observations in Jiangjia Gully, Yunnan Province, China. We found that the GSD follows P(D) = KD -μ exp(− D/Dc), with μ and Dc representing the fine and coarse grains, respectively. In particular, μ is associated with some characteristic porosity of soil in the natural state and increases with increased porosity. Dc characterizes the grain size range of the flow and increases with the grain concentration. Studies show that flow density is related to both parameters in power law. Here, we propose an empirical equation for estimating flow density: ρ = 1.26μ -0.132 + 0.049Dc0.443, which provides not only an estimation of the density for a flow, but also describes the variation in density with the GSD of material composition; this provides important information related to the design of debris flow engineering structures.

Superelevation Calculation of Debris Flow Climbing Ascending Slopes

We present a new method for calculating the superelevation of debris flow when it encounters obstacles in the process of flowing. Our calculation method is based on the Bingham Model for debris flow determination and considers the vertical difference of debris flow velocity and characteristic parameters of debris flow on a hypothetical basis. Moreover, we conducted an indoor flume experiment to verify the accuracy and reasonability of our calculation method. The experimental results showed that our method is able to accurately calculate the superelevation of debris flow with a root-mean-square error (16%). Furthermore, we provide an in-depth example of how our calculation method can be employed. Ultimately, we conclusively prove that our calculation method can be used for the superelevation calculation of debris flow climbing ascending slopes. Finally, we provide more exact parameters for debris flow protection engineering.

Debris flows in the central sector of the northern slopes of the Main Caucasus Ridge: peculiarities of the current situation

This paper provides examples of real events of debris flows in the 21st century. The analysis of the debris flows reveals that there is a variety of manifestation of debris flow processes and triggering factors. It also demonstrates the lack of prospects for the modern trend of creating a single model for forecasting the occurrence, development, impacts and parameters of debris flows that would be equally suitable for other phenomena of gravitational nature such as avalanches, landslides or rock falls. Moreover, it shows that the monitoring is unrepresentative, which is unacceptable, and demonstrates the often lack of hydro-meteorological data on mountainous areas.

A hardware–software complex for remote monitoring of debris flows

Automated monitoring systems of debris flow hearths, their purpose, and the role in decreasing debris flow risks are considered. A brief review of the tools for measuring parameters of debris flows used in systems for monitoring and warning of debris flow hazards is given. The description of foreign and Russian hardware–software systems for monitoring debris flow hearths is presented.

Mitigation planning based on the prediction of river blocking by a typical large-scale debris flow in the Wenchuan earthquake area

Due to scale amplification resulting from the blocking-bursting process associated with landslide dams in debris flow catchments, many of large-scale debris flows that occurred as a result of the Wenchuan earthquake blocked the main rivers and resulted in catastrophic dam-breaking floods. To decrease the damage caused by dam-breaking floods, mitigation works should be applied in debris flow gullies. Currently, few studies focus on how to determine the key parameters concerning the scale of debris flows (i.e., peak discharge and total volume) that need to be controlled for mitigation planning considering downstream objects affected by the flow. The Xiaojia debris flow is described and analyzed as a typical large-scale case from the Yingxiu area. A back-calculation method and numerical simulation were proposed for mitigation planning in Xiaojia gully based on predictions of river blocking. First, the maximum peak flood discharge that did not endanger the town of Yingxiu was calculated. Then, the permissible blockage from a debris flow was determined based on the back-calculation of a dam-breaking flood. Finally, the scale of the largest permissible debris flow was obtained for use in mitigation plans based on numerical simulations. The calculations showed that the peak discharge of a flood that would not endanger Yingxiu should be <1496.48 m3/s. Accordingly, based on the 1/3 and 1/2 breach modes, the permissible blocking height of a debris flow barrier dam should not exceed 43.09 and 31.64 m, respectively. The total volume and peak discharge of a single debris flow event should be controlled to not exceed 70.59 × 104 m3 and 784.59 m3/s for the 1/3 breach mode and 45.21 × 104 m3 and 551.77 m3/s for the 1/2 breach mode. Based on these determinations of the key debris flow parameters, the simulation results indicate that debris flow damage can be decreased to an acceptable level to ensure the safety of Yingxiu downstream by the implementation of two check dams in the downstream channel and a deposition works on the debris fan.

A Study on Scouring Laws Downstream of Debris Flow Sabo Dams

Debris flow sabo dam is one of the most widely used debris flow control engineering. Its stability and safety operation is a key to controlling the effect of hazard prevention and avoiding secondary hazard. Because of the particularity of debris flow, it’s very hard to observe the process and morphology directly by field investigation. Although the scouring depth calculation method in hydraulic engineering provide an idea for debris flow sabo dam, but it can’t be used directly for the calculation of scouring depth downstream of debris flow sabo dams and foundation designation of the control engineering. This paper analyzed the influence factors of scouring laws downstream of debris flow sabo dams and the research status home and abroad. It suggests studying the scouring process and laws downstream of debris flow sabo dams by theoretical analysis, mechanical analysis and energy method combined with simulation experiments, establishing quantitative relationship between the scouring laws, limited depth, morphology, sediment transportation characteristics and the feature parameters of debris flow.

The Calculating Method of Deposition Thickness of Viscous Debris Flow

The deposition thickness is one of the most important parameters of debris flow. How to define the deposition shape along the viscous debris flow gully and how to calculate deposition thickness rationally were rarely studied in previous researches. This paper discussed the calculation method of deposition thickness of viscous debris flow based on theoretical deduction. Firstly, force analysis was carried out for a debris flow cell selected from the deposition. Then, the formula for calculating the deposition thickness of viscous debris flow was constructed based on deduction from the viewpoint of theoretical mechanics. At last, the deposition thickness under different slope gradients, yield stresses and densities was calculated based on the deduced formula. The results showed that the deposition thickness decreases with the increasing of the slope gradient and density, and increases with the increasing of the yield stress before the deposition thickness reaches to the maximum value.

Characterization of debris flows by rainstorm condition at a torrent on the Mount Yakedake volcano, Japan

We analyzed rainstorm control on debris-flow magnitude and flow characteristics using the 14 sets of rainstorm and debris-flow data obtained from 1980 to 2005 at the Kamikamihorizawa Creek of Mount Yakedake. With the principal component analysis on five parameters of debris flows: frontal velocity, peak velocity, peak flow depth, peak discharge and total discharge, and with video-record of boulder-dams in motion, and the preceding rainfall intensities, we conclude that the 14 debris flows could be categorized into three groups. The flows in the first group have large hydraulic magnitude and massive and turbulent boulder-dams filled with slurry matrix. The flows in the second group have small hydraulic magnitude and boulder-dams scarcely filled with slurry matrix, and the dam is observed to alternate between stopping and starting. The flows in the third group have small hydraulic magnitude and boulder dams filled with slurry matrix. Analysis of hillslope hydrology and debris-flow data asserted that the antecedent rainfall conditions control not only the hydraulic magnitude of debris flows but also the boulder-dam features. Large rainstorms of high intensity and durations as short as 10 minutes induces fast and large storm runoff to the headwaters and the source reaches of debris flow, while rainstorms with durations as long as 24 h raises water content in the bottom deposits along the debris-flow growth reaches and generates substantial runoff from the tributaries. Classification of the three groups is done based on water availability to debris flows on the source and growth reaches at the occurrence of debris flow.

Gravel accumulation in deposits of viscous debris flows with hyper-concentration

According to the observational data of viscous debris flows with hyper-concentration, debris flows can be classified into three types: high-viscous, viscous, and sub-viscous debris flows. Distinct formation mechanism of different graded bedding structures in deposits of viscous debris flows was analyzed in this paper by using their yield-stress ratio and flow plug ratio. This paper specially analyzed the effect of Weissenberg which the gravels in squirm condition of hyper-concentration viscous flows would tend to move vertically, and the formation mechanism of the gravels accumulated at surface was also studied. The analysis in this paper can establish a foundation for the studies on differentiation of bedding structures of debris flow deposits and studies on dynamic parameters of debris flows.

Some observations on the prediction of the dynamic parameters of debris flows in pyroclastic deposits in the Campania region of Italy

Over the last 20 years, many tools have been developed for the prediction of the post-failure behaviour of rapid landslides. However, as pointed out by several researchers, knowledge may be improved by the performance of back-analyses using different models and the evaluation of their reliability. This paper reports the back-analysis, conducted using numerical models, of 57 rapid landslides that have occurred in the Campania region. The back-analysis has been performed using the 2-D DAN_W code (version 2003) with two different rheological models: the Voellmy and the frictional models. The latter has been immediately discarded because it did not match the observed data. Instead, using the Voellmy model, the best-fit values of the parameters (friction µ and turbulence ξ) for different types of flow (channelled, un-channelled and mixed flows) have been researched. With these values a parametric study has been carried out on four representative slope profiles of the Campania region, enabling the prediction of runout, velocity and depth of flow (dynamic parameters) of potential debris flows.

Debris flow characteristics and relationships in the Central Spanish Pyrenees

Abstract. Unconfined debris flows (i.e. not in incised channels) are one of the most active geomorphic processes in mountainous areas. Since they can threaten settlements and infrastructure, statistical and physically based procedures have been developed to assess the potential for landslide erosion. In this study, information on debris flow characteristics was obtained in the field to define the debris flow runout distance and to establish relationships between debris flow parameters. Such relationships are needed for building models which allow us to improve the spatial prediction of debris flow hazards. In general, unconfined debris flows triggered in the Flysch Sector of the Central Spanish Pyrenees are of the same order of magnitude as others reported in the literature. The deposition of sediment started at 17.8°, and the runout distance represented 60% of the difference in height between the head of the landslide and the point at which deposition started. The runout distance was relatively well correlated with the volume of sediment.