APPLICATION OF THE DISTINCT ELEMENT METHOD TO THE NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF DEBRIS FLOWS

Abstract

Slope slides, dry rock avalances and debris flows frequently take place in mountainous areas following strong earthquakes. Various types of flow analysis have been made based on a continuous medium. But, as the rocks and soil which are contained in rock avalanches and debris flows, are discontinuous not continous materials. We have developed a modification of Distinc Element Method in which the effect of water present between particles is taken into account. By using the extended DEM for debris flows, we could follow their flow processes and compare them with those of the dry rock avalances. In addition, we obtained simulation results that explain the flow behavior when the flow makes an impact with dam wall and the deposition process.