Performance evaluation of check dam location using small-scale flume channel and numerical simulation

Check dam structures are used widely in preventing debris flow. To provides practical information on check dam design and appropriate location selection for debris flow mitigation. In this study, we conducted the performance evaluation of check dams built at different locations along the flow path, considering various evaluation factors (check dam storage capacity, front velocity, kinetic energy, and impact force) through a small-scale flume channel and numerical analysis. A series of experiments using a large vane rheometer and a small-scale flume test device was performed to investigate the rheological properties and behavior of debris flow with and without check dams, respectively. The interaction of debris flow with the check dam in the flume test was simulated the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian method. The results of numerical and experimental analyses indicated that the position of the check dam had a significant effect on the dynamic characteristics of flow. The dual barrier system installed at the upstream channel performs better than that at the downstream region in terms of sediment storage capacity and dynamic factors of debris flow. Furthermore, the effectiveness of check dams is obvious in reducing the magnitude of debris flow and deposition volume of sediments on the fan area compared to that of debris flow without a check dam.