Influence of diversion channel section type on landslide dam draining effect

The present study focuses on the emergency response measures for landslide dams. This work presents a series of centrifuge model tests conducted on the draining processes of barrier dams that are based on the grain composition of the Tangjiashan landslide dam. The effects of diversion channels with trapezoid, triangular, and compound sections on the discharge, process, and size of the residual dam are discussed. The characteristics of the flow erosion during the process of discharge in the different channels are analyzed based on hydrodynamics. The results suggest that a diversion channel with a compound section has a higher initial discharge efficiency and lower peak flow, and the flow process curve corresponds to a “chunky-type.” The draining from this type of a diversion channel could clearly reduce the flood pressure of the river downstream and make the entire process smoother. Thus, the excavation of a diversion channel with a compound section is an efficient and safe method for landslide dam emergency mitigation.