Effectiveness and mechanical characteristics of a pile-beam composite structure in blocking debris flows

Abstract

The pile-beam composite structure in high-elevation debris flow areas is selected as the research object. Based on characterizing the pile-beam composite structure, the particle-flow simulation analysis program and the explicit dynamic analysis program were used to study comparatively the blocking effects of single-row piles and two-row piles, as well as that of a pile-beam composite structure at different positions. Besides, We simulated the mechanical characteristics of the pile-beam composite structure and discussed debris flow accumulation and structural stress transfer after the blocking. The calculation results show that the blocking effect of the pile-boulder force chain formed by the contact between large-size particles in the debris flow with the blocking structure and side boundaries on both sides of the gully could effectively block and delay the subsequent debris flow movement. The blocking effect of the pile-beam composite structure is the best. Meanwhile, the transition zone between the two-row piles further suppressed the flow velocity. When choosing the position for a pile-beam composite structure, we should consider suppressing the debris flow velocity as early as possible at the beginning and the potential energy-kinetic energy conversion process. Meanwhile, we also need to emphasize the design of the reservoir capacity, beware of the escape of debris flow due to a low-head barrier, and choose the optimal solution for the layout. The impact stress by debris flow boulders will be transmitted to the rear pile through the connecting beams, and the connecting parts at both ends of the beam almost reach the yield strength, which needs reinforcement to strengthen.

Keywords

• debris flow
• pile-beam composite structure
• numerical simulation
• accumulation characteristics
• blocking effect