Modelling debris flow processes with a geotechnical centrifuge

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

Current and future role of instrumentation and monitoring in the performance of transport infrastructure slopes

Instrumentation is often used to monitor the performance of engineered infrastructure slopes. This paper looks at the current role of instrumentation and monitoring, including the reasons for monitoring infrastructure slopes, the instrumentation typically installed and parameters measured. The paper then investigates recent developments in technology and considers how these may change the way that monitoring is used in the future, and tries to summarize the barriers and challenges to greater use of instrumentation in slope engineering. The challenges relate to economics of instrumentation within a wider risk management system, a better understanding of the way in which slopes perform and/or lose performance, and the complexities of managing and making decisions from greater quantities of data

Modelling of double porosity clays in a mini-centrifuge

Physical modelling of double porosity clay was carried out in a mini-centrifuge. These tests were performed as a preliminary study for modelling a case history from Northern Bohemia in the large geotechnical drum centrifuge. The main aim of these tests was to investigate the effect of lump size distribution on soil compressibility during self-weight consolidation. In addition, oedometer tests were carried out to investigate the response of double porosity soil to one dimensional loading with the attendant degradation in structure. Comparison with large centrifuge test results showed good correlation, despite the simple test procedure. </jats:p