Debris flow risk mitigation by the means of rigid and flexible barriers - experimental tests and impact analysis

The impact of a debris flow on a structure can have disastrous effects because of the enormous destructive potential of these phenomena. Although the introduction of risk mitigation structures, such as Sabo Dam, Filter Dam and more recently flexible barriers similar to rock fall protection barriers, is usual, there are very few methods that are universally recognised for the safe design of such structures. This study presents the results of tests conducted in the laboratory with the use of a specifically created flume in order to obtain detailed knowledge of such aspects and to analyse the dynamics of the impact of a debris flow on different types of structures. The analyses of the tests, together with the calculation of the thrust caused by the flow, have made it possible to analyse the dynamics of the impact, which has shown different effects on the basis of the type of barrier that has been installed.