Laboratory Flume Static and Dynamic Experiment for Rock Avalanches

A series of flume experiments under static and dynamic conditions were conducted to study the Xiejiadian rock avalanche, which was triggered by Wenchuan Earthquake in China. Six influencing factors acting on the run-out of rock avalanches were investigated by releasing three granular materials in a designed flume. Test results under static conditions showed that the coarser sample was of higher fluidity than other types with excessive content of finer particles. Positive correlations were obtained between the following parameters: the angle of flume and the run-out of deposit; the angle and the accumulation of deposit; the mass and the run-out; the mass and the accumulation. In the case of consecutive releases, the traveling length of entire volume was affected mainly by the first release, while subsequent releases only had effects on the height and weight of the main part deposit. The roughness of bottom surface of the flume had a large effect on the finer particles than coarser particles. The run-out of deposit decreased when obstacles were introduced. Dynamic results showed that shaking force has a significant effect on the increase of run-out distance of the deposit compared with results under static. The run-out distance increased with the increase of acceleration amplitudes. Whereas, the run-out distance reduced gradually with the increase of frequency.