Verification of a simplified mechanical model for debris-flow protection barriers

A debris flow is usually represented by a mixture of solid particles of various sizes and water, flowing along a laterally confined inclined channel-shaped region down to an unconfined area where it slow down its motion and spreads out into a flat-shaped mass. The assessment of the energy associated to such a flow is very important for the proper design of retention devices that are useful in populated area or wherever it is necessary to limit the destructive effects of such a phenomenon. The paper presents a simplified structural model of cable-like retention barriers based upon the equation of equilibrium of wires under large displacements condition and its validation through the execution of specific real scale tests. Inputting the debris flow features, the model returns restraining forces and cable stresses that can then be used for an appropriate barrier design.