Author(s): Francisco Martinez; Simon Guerra; Bastian Araya
Linked Author(s): Francisco Javier Sánchez Martínez, Francisco Martinez Carreaux
Keywords: Granular flows; Retention wall; Impact forces; Segregation effects; Finer fraction effects
Abstract: Geological hazards such as rock and snow avalanches, debris flows and landslides are very interesting not only for the physics of complex fluids flows, but also for the design of civil works and the protection of public/private infrastructure and human settlements (Takahashi, 2007). To this concern, a proper understanding of polydispersity effects remains elusive and poorly addressed in scientific literature. In this context, in the present experimental study we analyze the dynamics of bidisperse granular flows impacting a rigid wall. We are particularly interested in the distribution of the peak forces (Fmax) arising from such interaction and to what extent the force distribution can be affected by the concentration of the finer fraction (C) of the mixture. This information can be used for model/prototype scaling and the selection of design parameters in real civil works, extending some previous works on the topic (e.g. Cui et al, 2018; Ng et al, 2016).
Year: 2025