Abstract
It is difficult to know experimentally impact force on floor and walls caused by debris flow. Particularly the maximum value of the impact force is important for designing a debris barrier.
Since increasing computer power has made DEM (Distinct Element Method) a practical means for predicting particle motion in various flows, the authors have applied it to estimate magnitude and distribution of impact force on a debris darrier.
Experiment and calculation on impact force by a dropping steel ball with various speed against floor was also carried out, then correction factor for calculation was introduced by comparison the experiment with the calculation.
Impact force on debris barrier with outlet width of 3m and height of 4m is estimated as about 300kN on a floor and about 80kN on a side wall.
