Discrete modelling of debris flows for evaluating impacts on structures

Lahars (volcanic debris flows) are natural phenomena that can generate severe damage and wreak havoc in densely populated urban areas. The evaluation of the forces pressures generated by these mass flows on constructions (e.g., buildings, bridges other infrastructure) is crucial for civil protection, assessment physical vulnerability risk management. current tools developed to model spread at large scale areas remain inaccurate mechanical efforts. Here, we a discrete numerical evaluating debris-flow (DF) impact local one structure (pillar or column) like building, bridge infrastructure. In this model, large-sized solid particles infrastructures edifices explicitly modelled using Distinct Element Method (DEM). We considered fluid fine-grained not only frame pressure exerted structures, but also through their effects movement particles, i.e. buoyancy drag. velocity field free surface obtained from Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) calculation based Navier–Stokes equations imported DEM simulation. This able reproduce range magnitudes DFs terms volumes, velocities flow heights. Finally, provides insights structures hydrostatic and/or dynamic due combined effect phases. results consistent with existing empirical models.