Depth-averaged rheological models for landslides and complex flows simulations

Abstract

Human and environmental risks associated with extreme hydrological events, such as mining pond dam-breaks and hyperconcentrated debris flows, require increasingly sophisticated predictive tools. These phenomena are often characterized as two-layer systems composed of a lower layer formed by a non-Newtonian cohesive sediment slurry and an upper water layer. The accuracy of such simulations strongly depends on the implementation of appropriate friction and rheological models.