Evaluating the Performance of Protective Barriers against Debris Flows Using Coupled Eulerian Lagrangian and Finite Element Analyses

Shiyin Sha, Ashley P. Dyson, Gholamreza Kefayati and Ali Tolooiyan ()
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Shiyin Sha: Computational Engineering for Sustainability Lab (CES-Lab), School of Engineering, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7005, Australia
Ashley P. Dyson: Computational Engineering for Sustainability Lab (CES-Lab), School of Engineering, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7005, Australia
Gholamreza Kefayati: Computational Engineering for Sustainability Lab (CES-Lab), School of Engineering, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7005, Australia
Ali Tolooiyan: Computational Engineering for Sustainability Lab (CES-Lab), School of Engineering, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7005, Australia

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 17, 1-33

Abstract: Protective structures are critical in mitigating the dangers posed by debris flows. However, evaluating their performance remains a challenge, especially considering boulder transport in complex 3D terrains. This study introduces a comprehensive methodology to appraise the effectiveness of protective structures under the impact of debris flows for real-world conditions along the Hobart Rivulet in Tasmania, Australia. The validation of the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) model against experimental data demonstrates its high accuracy in predicting flow dynamics and impact forces, whereby flow velocities are estimated for subsequent Finite Element (FE) analyses. By simulating boulder-barrier interactions, weak points in I-beam post barriers are identified, with a broad investigation of the effects on the barrier performance under various conditions. The establishment of a 3D CEL model to assess the interactions between debris flow, boulders, and I-beam post barriers in a complex rivulet terrain is of particular significance. Through CEL and FE analyses, various aspects of debris flow-structure interactions are presented, including structural failure, impact force, and boulder velocity. The findings provide insights into the suitability of various numerical methods to assess the performance of protective measures in real-world scenarios.

Keywords: debris flow-boulder-barrier interaction; Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian; Hobart rivulet; failure ratio; I-beam barrier (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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