Debris-flow simulations on Cheekye River, British Columbia

Cheekye River fan is the best-studied fan complex in Canada. The desire to develop portions of the fan with urban housing triggered a series of studies to estimate debris-flow risk to future residents. A recent study (Jakob and Friele 2010) provided debris-flow frequency-volume and frequency-discharge data, spanning 20-year to 10,000-year return periods that form the basis for modeling of debris flows on Cheekye River. The numerical computer model FLO-2D was chosen as a modelling tool to predict likely flow paths and to estimate debris-flow intensities for a spectrum of debris-flow return periods. The model is calibrated with the so-called Garbage Dump debris flow that occurred some 900  years ago. Field evidence suggests that the Garbage Dump debris flow has a viscous flow phase that deposited a steep-sided debris plug high in organics in centre fan, which then deflected a low-viscosity afterflow that travelled to Squamish River with slowly diminishing flow depths. The realization of a two-phase flow led to a modelling approach in which the debris-flow hydrograph was split into a high viscosity and low viscosity phase that were modelled in chronologic sequence as two separate and independent modelling runs. A perfect simulation of the Garbage Dump debris flow with modelling is not possible because the exact topography at the time of the event is, to some degree, speculative. However, runout distance, debris deposition and deposit thickness are well known and serve as a good basis for calibration. Predictive analyses using the calibrated model parameters suggest that, under existing conditions, debris flows exceeding a 50-year return period are likely to avulse onto the southern fan sector, thereby damaging existing development and infrastructure. Debris flows of several thousand years return period would inundate large portions of the fan, sever Highway 99, CN Rail, and the Squamish Valley road and would impact existing housing development on the fan. These observations suggest a need for debris-flow mitigation for existing and future development alike.     

缝隙坝对携带漂木的泥石流减灾效果实验研究

山洪泥石流灾害中携带漂木的情形时有发生,漂木产生的灾害效应也越来越受到关注,但现有泥石流防治工程多未考虑漂木的影响。因此,有必要对漂木存在条件下拦砂坝的调控效果进行研究。以缝隙坝为例展开模拟实验,结果表明泥石流中携带漂木时,漂木多运动在流体表面,且先于泥沙到达坝前,是否在缝隙坝开口处形成漂木堵塞体对缝隙坝前泥沙堆积体形态、泥沙流出率、漂木拦截率均有重要影响。若未形成漂木堵塞体,坝前泥沙堆积体有明显侵蚀槽,泥沙流出率较无漂木时略低;一旦形成漂木堵塞体,坝前泥沙堆积体无明显侵蚀现象,泥沙流出率显著减小,漂木总拦截率显著增大。缝隙坝对不同漂木组分的拦截效果不同,漂木长度L与缝隙开口宽度b的比值L/b越大,越容易被拦截。漂木中L/b>1的组分含量越大,漂木总拦截率越大,且L/b>1的漂木存在是形成堵塞体的关键条件。     

Sedimentology of the debris-flow-dominated Warm Spring Canyon alluvial fan, Death Valley, California

Facies analysis of widely distributed exposures of the 32·6 km² and 8·1-km-long Warm Spring Canyon fan, central Death Valley, shows that it has been built principally by debris-flow deposits. These deposits were derived from a mature Panamint Range catchment mostly underlain by Precambrian mudrock, quartzite and dolomite. Stacked, clast-rich and matrix-supported debris-flow lobes of slightly bouldery, muddy, pebble–cobble gravel in beds 20–150 cm thick dominate the fan from apex to toe, accounting for 75–98% of most exposures. Interstratified with the debris flows are less abundant (2–25% of cuts), thinner (5–30 cm) and more discontinuous beds of clast-supported and imbricated, pebble–cobble gravel deposited by overland flows and gully flows. This facies formed by the surficial fine-fraction water winnowing of the debris flows primarily during recessional flood stage of the debris-flow events. Two other facies associations make up a small part of the fan. The incised-channel tract consists of a 250-m-wide clast-supported ribbon of irregularly to thickly bedded, boulder, pebble, cobble gravel nested within debris-flow deposits. This channel fill is oriented generally perpendicular to the Panamint range front. It formed by extensive erosion and winnowing of debris flows deposited within the incised channel, into which all water discharge from the catchment is funnelled. The limited presence of this facies only straddling the present incised channel indicates that this channel overall has maintained a consistent position on the fan except for slight lateral shifts, some caused by strike-slip offset. Fault offset temporarily closed the upper incised channel, causing recessional debris-flow mud to be ponded behind the dam. The other local facies assemblage consists of subrounded to rounded, moderately sorted pebble gravel in low-angle cross-beds that slope both basinwards and fanwards. This gravel was deposited in beachface, backshore and shoreface barrier-spit environments that developed where Lake Manly impinged on the Warm Spring fan during late Pleistocene time. These deposits straddle headcuts into, and were derived from, erosion of the debris-flow deposits. Wave energy sorted finer sediment from the shore zone, concentrated coarser sediment and rounded the coarse to very coarse pebble fraction by selective reworking.     

基于HBP本构模型的泥石流动力过程SPH数值模拟

本构模型是描述泥石流流变特性的关键,也是决定其动力过程数值模拟准确性的核心问题之一。泥石流流体属多相混合物,现有的研究已证实其存在剪切增稠或剪切变稀的现象,传统基于Bingham及Cross线性本构关系的数值模型难以准确描述泥石流流变特性。文中探讨了Bingham模型在低剪应变率下的数值发散问题,在光滑粒子流体动力学（SPH）方法框架上建立了整合Herschel-Bulkley-Papanastasiou(HBP）本构关系的稀性泥石流动力过程三维数值模型。相比传统基于浅水波假设的二维数值模型,所述方法从三维尺度建立SPH形式下的泥石流浆体纳维?斯托克斯方程并进行数值求解,可获取泥石流速度场时空分布及堆积形态,同时采用HBP本构关系描述泥石流流变特性,能在确保数值收敛的前提下反映泥石流流体在塑性屈服过渡段及大变形状态下应力?应变的非线性变化。为验证提出方法的合理性,结合小型模型槽实验观测进行了对比,结果表明数值模拟与实测结果基本吻合。     

束流型拦砂坝溢流口及其关键参数确定

为进一步优化拦砂坝溢流口体型,确定溢流口几何参数取值,通过物理模拟实验研究了不同拦砂坝溢流口体型条件下泥石流过坝的流态、坝后冲刷深度、消能率变化规律,并根据拦砂坝埋深设计标准与松散体水下临界平衡关系,探讨了溢流口收缩率的合理取值范围,结果表明:采用斜面或者大倾角的反弧型溢流口时,坝后泥石流落点与坝脚的距离近、冲刷深度大,而采用无倾角的反弧型溢流面时,不仅可以在一定程度上减小冲刷深度,而且大大增加了坝后泥石流落点与坝脚的距离;在泥石流规模与溢流面曲率半径相同情况下,适当增大侧向收缩率,有利于增强泥石流体与坝后动床之间的相互作用,提高泥石流通过坝后冲刷坑的消能率;当溢流口收缩率在0.2~0.6之间时,冲刷深度满足设计要求,且泥石流跌落点距坝脚较远,冲刷坑发展不会危及坝体安全。     

Empirical Relationships for Debris Flows

The assessment of the debris flow hazard potential has to rely on semi-quantitative methods. Due to the complexity of the debris-flow process, numerical simulation models of debris flows are still limited with regard to practical applications. Thus, an overview is given of empirical relationships that can be used to estimate the most important parameters of debris-flow behavior. In a possible procedure, an assessment of a maximum debris-flow volume may be followed by estimates of the peak discharge, the mean flow velocity, the total travel distance, and the runout distance on the fan. The applicability of several empirical equations is compared with available field and laboratory data, and scaling considerations are used to discuss the variability of the parameters over a large range of values. Some recommendations are made with regard to the application of the presented relationships by practicing engineers, apart from advocating field reconnaissance and searching for historic events wherever possible.     

Formation conditions of outburst debris flow triggered by overtopped natural dam failure

Natural dams formed by landslides may produce disastrous debris flows after dam outburst. However, studies on the critical conditions required for the formation of outburst debris flow resulting from natural dam failure are still at an early stage. In this paper, we present the results of a series of laboratory tests that assessed three different materials, five different flume bed slope angles (2°, 7°, 9°, 10°, and 13°), two in-flow rates, and four types of dam geometric shapes. The results showed that the unit weight of downstream fluid increased with increasing bed channel slope. Additionally, a critical flume bed angle was found for debris flow formation. Furthermore, the combination of lake volume and flume bed angle was found to influence the formation of debris flow. A nonlinear trend was observed between the unit weights of debris flow and the uniformity coefficients of solid material. Based on the theory of stream power, a critical condition for debris flow formation from natural dam failure was established. Based on two case studies, the results indicate that the condition that was established for debris flow formation following natural dam failure agrees well with reality.     

An analysis of debris-flow events in the Sardinia Island (Thyrrenian Sea, Italy)

On 6 December 2004, the Villagrande Strisaili area (middle-east Sardinia), was struck by debris flows; 330 mm of rainfall took place within 3 h with an hourly intensity of 120 mm, which is far more above than normal for the study area. In the urban center stony and driftwood deposits accounted for a total volume estimated as 10,000 m³. The event claimed huge amount of infrastructural loss and two human lives. According to the chronicle reports, the area experienced two debris-flow events in the last century. The present paper is the outcome of an intensive study of such debris-flow events including their physical processes and geomorphological effects through both field survey and laboratory analysis.     

海底碎屑流冲击海底管道的模型与某一特定原型的相似性分析

小尺度的水槽实验和数值模型被广泛应用于真实尺度条件下海底碎屑流对海底管道冲击力的研究,但模型与某一特定原型之间的相似性一直未能得到保证,从而严重影响模型结果的适用性。为此,本文采用幂律本构关系(Power-law)描述海底碎屑流的流变特性,并基于雷诺相似准则,推导出海底碎屑流冲击海底管道时模型与原型之间各物理参数的比尺关系。根据该比尺关系,本文对现有水槽实验中模型与某一特定原型之间的相似性进行了分析,发现该水槽实验与预期的原型工况并不相似,继而推算出与该水槽实验相似的原型工况,并设计出与预期的原型工况相似的模型工况。此外,本文还对基于幂律本构关系和雷诺相似准则推导得到的比尺关系的适用性进行了讨论,认为该比尺关系适用于常重力环境下(1g)海底碎屑流冲击海底管道的小尺度水槽实验和数值模型,但不适用于超重力环境下(Ng)的土工离心机实验,也不适用于海底碎屑流的低剪切应变率工况。本文的研究结果将为保证常重力环境下(1g)海底碎屑流冲击海底管道时模型与某一特定原型之间的相似性提供理论依据。     

A debris-flow alarm system for the Alpine Illgraben catchment: design and performance

We describe the development, implementation, and first analyses of the performance of a debris-flow warning system for the Illgraben catchment and debris fan area. The Illgraben catchment (9.5 km²), located in the Canton of Valais, Switzerland, in the Rhone River valley, is characterized by frequent and voluminous sediment transport and debris-flow activity, and is one of the most active debris-flow catchments in the Alps. It is the site of an instrumented debris-flow observation station in operation since the year 2000. The residents in Susten (municipality Leuk), tourists, and other land users, are exposed to a significant hazard. The warning system consists of four modules: community organizational planning (hazard awareness and preparedness), event detection and alerting, geomorphic catchment observation, and applied research to facilitate the development of an early warning system based on weather forecasting. The system presently provides automated alert signals near the active channel prior to (5–15 min) the arrival of a debris flow or flash flood at the uppermost frequently used channel crossing. It is intended to provide data to support decision-making for warning and evacuation, especially when unusually large debris flows are expected to leave the channel near populated areas. First-year results of the detection and alert module in comparison with the data from the independent debris-flow observation station are generally favorable. Twenty automated alerts (alarms) were issued, which triggered flashing lights and sirens at all major footpaths crossing the channel bed, for three debris flows and 16 flood flows. Only one false alarm was issued. The major difficulty we encountered is related to the variability and complexity of the events (e.g., events consisting of multiple surges) and can be largely solved by increasing the duration of the alarm. All of the alarms for hazardous events were produced by storms with a rainfall duration and intensity larger than the threshold for debris-flow activity that was defined in an earlier study, supporting our intention to investigate the use of rainfall forecasts to increase the time available for warning and implementation of active countermeasures.     

Debris-flow event in the Frangerello Stream-Susa Valley (Italy)—calibration of numerical models for the back analysis of the 16 October, 2000 rainstorm

Three debris-flow simulation model software have been applied to the back analysis of a typical alpine debris flow that caused significant deposition on an urbanized alluvial fan. Parameters used in the models were at first retrieved from the literature and then adjusted to fit field evidence. In the case where different codes adopted the same parameters, the same input values were used, and comparable outputs were obtained. Results of the constitutive laws used (Bingham rheology, Voellmy fluid rheology and a quadratic rheology formulation which adds collisional and turbulent stresses to the Bingham law) indicate that no single rheological model appears to be valid for all debris flows. The three applied models appear to be capable of reasonable reproduction of debris-flow events, although with different levels of detail. The study shows how different software can be used to predict the debris-flow motion for various purposes from a first screening, to predict the runout distance and deposition of the solid material and to the different behaviour of the mixtures of flows with variation of maximum solid concentration.     

Assessment of debris flow multiple-surge load model based on the physical process of debris-barrier interaction

Debris-flow impact load is one of the key parameters for design of engineering countermeasures. The multiple-surge load model is a remarkable progress in estimating the debris-flow impact load, which clearly delineates the contribution of each surge to the total impact load and the corresponding acting points. In order to better understand the impact process of channelized debris flow against flexible barrier, a series of medium-scale flume experiments with varying debris-flow volumetric solid concentration (0.40/0.50/0.55) were conducted. Especially, surge impact behavior is focused so that the predictability of the multiple-surge load model could be assessed. The flume and model flexible barrier were instrumented so that both the barrier dynamic response and the debris-flow properties (flow regime) could be correlated to facilitate the assessment. The results show that multiple-surge load model well predicts the total impact load. However, due to the simplification in the impact process, the interaction between the mobile phase (surge) and the deposited phase is ignored, resulting in discrepancy in the load distribution between the model prediction and experimental result. The remixing of deposited debris by the subsequent surges leads to downward momentum transfer to the lower section of barrier, which should be regarded as an adverse scenario of the design of flexible-barrier anchor capacity.

     

Effect assessment of debris flow mitigation works based on numerical simulation by using Kanako 2D

Mitigation works are very essential for mitigation of debris-flow hazards in mountainous areas. Usually, it is difficult to assess the effectiveness of existing mitigation works in a catchment. This paper presented a method for quantitative assessment of debris flow mitigation measures by using Kanako system, a user-friendly GUI-equipped debris flow simulator that allows good visualization and easy interpretation. Kanako 2D (Ver. 2.04) was applied to a case study at Caijia Gully, Sichuan Province, China. Mitigation works including check dams, drainage channel, and deposition basin were constructed in the gully in 2001 and 2006. Kanako 2D can simulate debris flow from steep area to alluvial fan. 1D simulation was applied for assessing the effect of the check dams at the lower part of the gully, and 2D simulation was applied for the effect of the drainage channel and deposition basin on the alluvial fan. The simulation results indicate that debris flow will cause great damage to residential area on the alluvial fan if mitigation measures were not implemented in the gully. For old dams which have been filled up with deposits of previous debris flows, the results show that they still have the function for controlling debris flow due to the gradient reduction of the channel bed in front of the dams by the trapped debris flow deposition. After the comprehensive control of debris flow including trapping, drainage, and deposition in the gully, the simulation results indicate that the risk on the alluvial fan can be reduced to an acceptable level.     

3D dynamics of debris flows quantified at sub-second intervals from laser profiles

We use pairs of parallel mounted laser profile scanners to measure main debris-flow variables in two debris-flow channels in central and southern Switzerland. The scanners measure the instantaneous cross-sectional geometry of debris flows at rates of 25–100 Hz, and we apply large-scale particle image velocimetery to estimate velocity. The scanners also provide direct measurements of flow depth. From these data, we were able to estimate debris-flow depth, velocity and discharge for 16 out of 17 events. These results are consistent with discharge estimated from a system of geophones and a radar gauge for two available datasets. We also investigated debris-flow geometry to quantify rheology-controlled cross-flow convexity and found that four events manifest strong surface convexity at their surge fronts where we expect the largest boulders and low pore-fluid pressures. The scanners provide a completely new view of debris-flow dynamics and channel morphology and present novel opportunities to measure discharge and investigate debris-flow geometries.     

Dynamical evolution properties of debris flows controlled by different mesh-sized flexible net barriers

Because the flexible net barrier is a gradually developed open-type debris-flow counter-measure, there are still uncertainties in its design criterion. By using several small-scale experimental flume model tests, the dynamical evolution properties of debris flows controlled by large and small mesh-sized (equal to D₉₀ and D₅₀, respectively) flexible net barriers are studied, including the debris flow behaviors, segregation, and permeability of sediments, as well as the energy absorption rates and potential overtopping occurring when debris flows impact the small mesh-sized one. Experimental results reveal that (a) two sediment deposition patterns are observed depending on variations in debris flow textures and mesh sizes; (b) the aggregation against flexible net barriers is dominated by flow dynamics; (c) the segregation and permeable functions of the barrier are determined by the mesh size, concentration, and flow dynamics; and (d) the smaller mesh-sized flexible net barrier tends to be more efficient in restraining more turbulent debris flows and can absorb greater rate of kinematic energy, and finally, the great kinematic energy dissipation that occurs when secondary debris flows interact with the post-deposits in front of the small mesh-sized flexible net barrier is believed to cause the failure of overtopping phenomenon. The mesh size is concluded to be the decisive parameter that should be associated with debris flow textures to design the control functions of flexible net barriers.     

Numerical simulations of flow motion and deposition characteristics of granular debris flows

Flow motion and deposition characteristics of debris flows are of concern regarding land use planning and management. A simple model for the prediction of mentioned characteristics has been developed, incorporating a friction–collision rheological model. It demonstrated to be able to satisfactorily simulate the two-dimensional behavior of laboratory results and the one-dimensional behavior of two real debris-flow events. The numerical results show that the topography of the channel bed, the yield stress level of the debris flows, and the inflow pattern have significant influence on the simulated flow motion and deposition characteristics of debris flows. In addition, the predicted run-out distance has been compared with analytical solutions and field observations. The model could be employed for the preliminary evaluation of one-dimensional run-out distance of granular debris flows provided that the volume of the debris involved in the initial mobilization is assumed.     

Comparison of debris-flow volume and activity under different formation conditions

Debris flows frequently occurred in Wenchuan earthquake region from 2008 to 2010, resulting in great damage to localities and being a prolonged threat to reconstruction. Forty three events' data including debris-flow volume, sediment volume and watershed area are analyzed and compared with other debris-flow events in Eastern Italian Alps, burned areas in USA and in Taiwan. The analysis reveals that there is a strong empirical relationship between debris-flow volume and loose materials volume in the earthquake region. In addition, the relationship between debris-flow volume and watershed area in the earthquake region has a wider variation range than that in other three regions while the debris volume also appears to be larger than that in the other three regions, which implies the volume of debris flows with strong influence of earthquakes is larger than that with no such influence and it is hard to predict the post-quake volume only by the watershed area. The comparison of the maximal debris-flow erosion modulus in the Wenchuan region and in Taiwan indicates that debris flows will be very active in a short time after strong earthquake.     

基于EDEM的碎屑流运动规律及冲击性能研究

泥石流运动规律及其冲击性能对于泥石流灾害的影响范围及严重程度具有重要决定意义。出于泥石流这类多相介质的复杂性,本文采用离散元仿真软件EDEM 2018对碎屑流冲击流槽试验进行了数值模拟研究,考虑流槽坡度、底部拦挡结构角度以及颗粒级配的影响,在已有研究成果的基础上对固体颗粒运动过程及冲击性能展开了系统研究。本文将数值模拟结果与现存试验数据进行了对比分析,验证了数值模拟方法的可靠性,在此基础上得出了以下结论:(1)在拦挡结构角度与颗粒级配相同的情况下,流槽坡度越大,对应的碎屑流运动速度与冲击力的峰值也越大;(2)在流槽坡度与级配相同的情况下,拦挡结构越陡,与其相互作用的固体颗粒数量越多,碎屑流越快达到速度和冲击力峰值,且对应的速度与冲击力峰值也越大;(3)在运动过程中,各颗粒级配的碎屑流均出现反序现象,且细颗粒含量的提升可提高碎屑流运动速度,但同时冲击力降低,而粗颗粒含量的提升可增大碎屑流对拦挡结构的冲击力,对于运动速度的影响较小。     

Variational Laws of Debris Flow Impact Force on the Check Dam Surface Based on Orthogonal Experiment Design

Debris flow impact force is an important factor for controlling structural damage, and it is the key factor for engineering design and risk assessment. Variation laws of debris flow impact force play an important role in preventing check dam impact damage and providing technology, data and support for check dam construction. Many influencing factors exist in debris flow impact force with different influencing magnitudes. The three main factors, i.e. the debris flow bulk density, the drainage channel slope and the upstream surface gradient of the check dam, were selected to be analyzed. The purpose of the study was to analyze the influencing degree of the three factors. Three levels were set for each factor and nine text schemes were established based on the theory of orthogonal experimental design. What is more, the related miniaturized flume experiment was carried out to measure impact force of debris flow. Finally, taking the impact force mean values of key point as the evaluation index, the flume experiment results were analyzed in detail by extreme difference analysis and variance analysis. Research results indicate: among the three factors, the drainage channel slope has the most significant influence, the upstream surface gradient of the check dam is in the second place and the debris flow slurry density is the third. The form of impact force mean with the maximum value: the drainage channel slope is 15°, the debris flow bulk density is 18.1 kN/m³ and the upstream surface gradient of the check dam is 1:0.     

Depositional model for lacustrine nearshore subaqueous fans in a rift basin: The Eocene Shahejie Formation,Dongying Sag,Bohai Bay Basin,China

The origin of the fourth member of the Eocene Shahejie Formation in the northern steep slopes of the Minfeng Sub‐sag, Dongying Sag, China, was investigated by integrating core studies and flume tank depositional simulations. A non‐channelized depositional model is proposed in this paper for nearshore subaqueous fans in steep fault‐controlled slopes of lacustrine rift basins. The deposits of nearshore subaqueous fans along the base of steep border‐fault slopes of rift basins are typically composed of deep‐water coarse‐grained sediment gravity‐flow deposits directly sourced from adjacent footwalls. Sedimentation processes of nearshore subaqueous fans respond to tectonic activities of boundary faults and to seasonal rainfall. During tectonically active stages, subaqueous debris flows triggered by episodic movements of border‐faults dominate the sedimentation. During tectonically quiescent stages, hyperpycnal flows generated by seasonal rainfall‐generated floods, normal discharges of mountain‐derived rivers and deep‐lacustrine suspension sedimentation are commonly present. The results of a series of flume tank depositional simulations show that the sediments deposited by subaqueous debris flows are wedge‐shaped and non‐channelized, whereas the sediments deposited by hyperpycnal flows generated by sporadic floods from seasonal rainfall are characterized by non‐channelized, coarse‐grained lobate depositional bodies which switch laterally because of compensation sedimentation of hyperpycanal flows. The hyperpycnal‐flow‐deposited non‐channelized lobate depositional bodies can be divided into a main body and lateral edges. The main body can be further subdivided into a proximal part, middle part and frontal part. Normal mountain‐derived river‐discharge‐deposited sediments are characterized by thin‐bedded, fine‐grained sandstones and siltstones with a limited distribution range. Normal mountain‐derived river‐discharge‐deposited sediments and deep‐lacustrine mudstones are commonly eroded in the area close to boundary faults. A nearshore subaqueous fan can be divided into three segments: inner fan, middle fan and outer fan. The inner fan is composed of debrites and the proximal part of the main body. The middle fan consists of the middle part of the main body and lateral edges, normal mountain‐derived river‐discharge‐deposited fine‐grained sediments and deep‐lacustrine mudstones. The outer fan comprises the frontal part of the main body, lateral edges, and deep‐lacustrine mudstones. Based on the non‐channelized depositional model for nearshore subaqueous fans, criteria for stratigraphic subdivision and correlation are discussed and applied.