Rock Avalanches: Constitutive and Numerical Modelling

Abstract

Rock avalanches present high velocities of propagation, and large volume of materials that generate extremely mobility capable of travelling long distance and spreading over large areas causing high destructive power. The accurate prediction of runout, depth and velocity of rock avalanches is of paramount importance since, in general, preventing it is not possible. The purpose of this paper is to assess the influence of the rheology on the avalanche properties using a depth integrated, SPH model. The paper compares the performance of different rheological models to reproduce the track, runout and depth of the final deposit for two real events such as Thurwieser and Frank rock avalanches. The paper provides information on the proposed model accuracy and limitations.