A STUDY OF THE IMPACT FORCE OF DRY GRANULAR FLOW DOWN ON AN INCLINE PLANE

Abstract

The dynamic loading characteristics of dry granular flow on closed and/or open rigid barriers should be carefully considered in the design and implementation of debris flow mitigation measures. Proper design can ensure that the barriers are able to withstand the dynamic loads generated by the granular flow and reduce the risk of damage or failure of the barriers. This paper presents an experimental and numerical investigation performed to evaluate the effectiveness of open check dams in mitigating the impact of dry granular flows on an inclined plane. The study focused on two distinct patterns of sectional dams: V-shaped and Alpha-shaped configurations. The experimental and simulation results revealed key findings regarding the sediment control efficiency of these patterns. It was observed that the Alpha-shaped pattern demonstrated superior sediment trapping efficiency compared to the V-shaped configuration. The study also identifies several variables that influence the sediment trapping efficiency of open check dams. The patterns and sequence of check dams were found to significantly impact their performance. The investigation examined the critical role of pile spacing and grain size in designing effective open check dams. The results emphasized the importance of considering these factors to achieve optimal performance in sediment control. Both the experimental and numerical approaches contribute to a better understanding of the behavior and performance of open check dams in mitigating the impact of granular flows.