Debris flows generated by seepage failure of landslide dams

W. M. Liao, H. T. Chou

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

The characteristics of debris flows generated by the seepage failure of landslide dams are experimentally studied using an inclined flume with slope varying from 12° to 24°. The failure of landslide dams can be triggered by one or a combination of the following causes: toe failure at low slopes or small discharges, overtopping at large discharges, and both piping and overtopping at intermediate discharges and slopes. The incipient discharge of debris flow for inducing seepage-failure is a function of the particle size, permeability, dam length, and flume slope. The failure process, namely the head-cutting process, of a landslide dam built in the flume is analyzed using key dimensionless parameters, which prove important in the design of a warning system and hazards mitigation for downstream habitants. It has been found from an analysis of experimental data that the sediment concentration in the seepage-induced debris flow decreases with the increased channel slope or the increased seepage discharge.

Original languageEnglish
Pages315-325
Number of pages11
StatePublished - 2003
Event3rd International Conference on Debris-Flow Hazards Mitigation: Mechanics, Prediction, and Assessment - Davos, Switzerland
Duration: 10 Sep 200312 Sep 2003

Conference

Conference3rd International Conference on Debris-Flow Hazards Mitigation: Mechanics, Prediction, and Assessment
Country/TerritorySwitzerland
CityDavos
Period10/09/0312/09/03

Keywords

  • Debris flow
  • Head-cutting
  • Landslide dams
  • Seepage
  • Slope failure

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