Mechanics of shallow landslides (Hangmuren) and interaction with flexible barriers

• Forschungsstelle: INNOSUISSE
• Projektnummer: 9266.1;10 PFIW-IW
• Projekttitel Englisch: Mechanics of shallow landslides and interaction with flexible barriers

Kurzbeschreibung (Deutsch)

Mechanics of shallow landslides (Hangmuren) and interaction with flexible barriers

Kurzbeschreibung (Englisch)

Mechanics of shallow landslides and interaction with flexible barriers

Abstract (Deutsch)

In this project we propose to develop new flexible barrier technology for use as a mitigation measure against shallow landslides, an important natural hazard worldwide Shallow landslides are mixtures of water, soil and debris that initiate on steep slopes during periods of intense rainfall. Infrastructure, buildings, roads and railways are thereby threatened with destruction or closure. In the past, flexible barriers have been used to mitigate rockfall hazard and in recently they have been modified to stop channelized debris flows. Presently, there is considerable interest to apply flexible barriers to efficiently stop shallow landslide flows, especially after the recent extreme precipitation events in Switzerland and elsewhere in the world. However limited data indicate that the loading produced by shallow landslides differs significantly from previous applications, suggesting that additional research is necessary as a basis for optimal design. The project requires (1) quantifying the loads that a shallow landslide exerts on a flexible barrier (2) designing the barriers to withstand these forces on open (non-channelized) hillslopes and (3) optimal energy dissipation mechanics. The research project scientifically addresses these questions using a combination of full-scale field tests, laboratory experiments and numerical modelling, thus opening the door to a new market.

Abstract (Englisch)

In this project we propose to develop new flexible barrier technology for use as a mitigation measure against shallow landslides, an important natural hazard worldwide Shallow landslides are mixtures of water, soil and debris that initiate on steep slopes during periods of intense rainfall. Infrastructure, buildings, roads and railways are thereby threatened with destruction or closure. In the past, flexible barriers have been used to mitigate rockfall hazard and in recently they have been modified to stop channelized debris flows. Presently, there is considerable interest to apply flexible barriers to efficiently stop shallow landslide flows, especially after the recent extreme precipitation events in Switzerland and elsewhere in the world. However limited data indicate that the loading produced by shallow landslides differs significantly from previous applications, suggesting that additional research is necessary as a basis for optimal design. The project requires (1) quantifying the loads that a shallow landslide exerts on a flexible barrier (2) designing the barriers to withstand these forces on open (non-channelized) hillslopes and (3) optimal energy dissipation mechanics. The research project scientifically addresses these questions using a combination of full-scale field tests, laboratory experiments and numerical modelling, thus opening the door to a new market.