Design Criteria for Torrential Barriers

Abstract

The term torrent control refers to the implementation of specific measures in the catchment or stream bed of a torrent. The purpose of torrent control is many fold – to stabilize the bed and adjacent slopes, to regulate discharge of floods, to dose runoff and solid transport, to filter large components (blocks, drift wood), to dissipate the energy of debris flow or to deviate (bypass) hazardous flow processes from objects or areas at risk (ONR 24800:2008). Torrential barriers (functional types, see Fig. 1) form part of the structural protection measures in torrent control that aim at reducing the risk to a tolerable level.