Modelling debris flow processes with a geotechnical centrifuge

Abstract

In this paper, we examine the effect of flow mass and moisture content on debris flow velocity, discharge, and runout using a series of smallscale flume tests in a geotechnical centrifuge. We found that an increase in mass and an increase in moisture content increased peak velocity during down-slope movement. However, the effect of increased moisture content is much more pronounced than that of increased mass. The maximum cross-sectional area observed did not depend on mass or moisture content, although may have been affected by the flow rate entering the centrifuge. Consequently, flow velocity largely determined the peak discharge of each flow. An increase in moisture content increased the mobility of the flow in terms of depositional area and runout. Further, the runout of the centre of mass of the flows appears to be linearly related to the momentum of flow material entering the flume.