A model of mudflow propagation downstream from the Grohovo landslide near the city of Rijeka (Croatia)

Abstract

Abstract. Mudflows regularly generate significant human and property losses. Analyzing mudflows is important to assess the risks and to delimit vulnerable areas where mitigation measures are required. The smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH) model adopted here considers, in two phases, a granular skeleton with voids filled with either water or mud. The SPH depth-integrated numerical model (Pastor et al., 2009a) used for the present simulations is a 2-D model capable of predicting the runout distance, flow velocity, deposition pattern and the final volume of mudflows. It is based on mathematical and rheological models.In this study, the main characteristics of mudflow processes that have emerged in the past (1908) in the area downstream of the Grohovo landslide are examined, and the more relevant parameters and attributes describing the mudflow are presented. Principal equations that form the basis of the SPH depth-integrated model are reviewed and applied to analyze the Grohovo landslide and the propagation of the mudflow wave downstream of the landslide. Based on the SPH method, the runout distance, quantities of the deposited materials and the velocity of mudflow progression which occurred in the past at the observed area are analyzed and qualitatively compared to the recorded consequences of the actual event. Within the SPH simulation, the Newtonian rheological model in the turbulent flow regime and the Bingham rheological model were adopted and a comparison was made of the application of the Egashira and Hungr erosion law.

Monitoring and prediction in early warning systems for rapid mass movements

“…Sensors typically measure environmental variables that affect the trigger process (e.g., rainfall, precipitation) but not the critical slope properties controlling the initiation of triggering (suction or pore water pressure, soil water content and saturation profiles, depth and stratigraphy of the snow cover). Depending on these variable dispositions, slope failure may occur in response to a large variety of precipitation intensity and duration (Zimmermann et al, 1997). Accordingly, the monitoring of precipitation may induce considerable uncertainty for the warning procedure.…”

Forecasting landslide mobility using an SPH model and ring shear strength tests: a case study

“…The 2009 Shiaolin landslide in Taiwan, induced by a cumulative rainfall of nearly 1700 mm from Typhoon Morakot, buried Shiaolin Village and resulted in more than 400 people dead and missing (Tsou et al, 2011). Numerical simulations that incorporate accurate soil mechanical parameters are a powerful tool for simulating landslide runout distances; these simulations can provide fundamental reference information for landside disaster mitigation (Žic et al, 2015;Yerro et al, 2016).…”