"Debris Flow Risk Assessment via Numerical Simulation: A Case Study in " by Lianhuan Wei, Xiangben Zhang et al.
 

Debris Flow Risk Assessment via Numerical Simulation: A Case Study in Northeast China

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-28-2025

Abstract

The mountainous area of eastern Liaoning is the only debris flow disaster-prone zone in Northeast China. Houses in this area are predominantly built downstream in the valleys along river sides, which are highly susceptible to debris flow hazards. This is particularly evident in the Wudaogou region, where multiple debris flow disasters have occurred during the past decades. Field investigations have revealed a significant presence of loose solid materials within the basin, posing a high risk of re-triggering debris flows. To identify potential hazard zones and estimate the damage conditions of buildings under debris flow impacts, numerical simulation using MassFlow and finite element modeling is conducted in this study. In the absence of detailed building damage information, we established a response model of buildings subjected to debris flows, achieving a quantitative risk assessment for debris flow disasters in the Wudaogou area. Using finite element modeling, we constructed a numerical model for the single-story brick-wood structures widely present in rural Northeast China. By quantifying the building damage degrees under different debris flow intensity combinations using inter-story drift angles, we developed a building vulnerability function correlating structural damage with debris flow intensity indices. This vulnerability function is then used to estimate the degree and extent of building damage in the study area under potential debris flows. Experimental results show that such buildings exhibit poor disaster resistance. When the debris flow velocity exceeds 6 m/s or the debris flow thickness reaches 1 m, these buildings are likely subjected to moderate or higher degrees of damage. When the velocity reaches 10 m/s or the thickness exceeds 2 m, these buildings face a risk of collapse. Statistical data on the evaluation results reveal that the most severe damage occurs to buildings located on the eastern side of the river and near the gully mouth. In the most extreme debris flow disaster scenario, 57% of the buildings would suffer varying degrees of damage, and 14% would be destroyed by the debris flow. This comprehensive approach generated debris flow risk maps and potential building damage degrees effectively in the absence of detailed building damage information, providing valuable insights for debris flow risk assessment in the eastern Liaoning region.

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This article was originally published in Landslides in 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-025-02545-4

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Peer Reviewed

1

Copyright

Springer

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