Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): Journal of Water Resources Management
Articles

Numerical Analysis Study of Debris Flow Impact by Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics

Muhammad Khairi A.Wahab
School of Civil Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal, 14300, MALAYSIA
Mohd Remy Rozainy Mohd Arif Zainol
School of Civil Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal, 14300, MALAYSIA
Mohamad Aizat Abas
School of Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal, 14300, MALAYSIA
Norizham Abdul Razak
School of Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal, 14300, MALAYSIA

Published 10-07-2025

Keywords

  • Debris flow,
  • SPH,
  • Risk assessment,
  • Impact force,
  • Computational

How to Cite

A.Wahab, M. K., Mohd Arif Zainol , M. R. R., Abas, M. A., & Abdul Razak, N. (2025). Numerical Analysis Study of Debris Flow Impact by Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics. Journal of Water Resources Management, 3(1). Retrieved from https://journal.water.gov.my/index.php/jowrm/article/view/101

Abstract

Debris flows are highly destructive natural events that occur in mountainous regions, causing widespread damage to both the environment and communities. These events can lead to severe casualties and environmental degradation, making it crucial to thoroughly assess their impacts to improve mitigation strategies and increase understanding of their consequences. This paper presents an evaluation of debris flow impact on a deposition board through numerical simulation. The study investigates two scenarios based on flume slope steepness of 25° with fully and half-open gates. Limestone particles, with a total volume of 1 × 10³ m³, were used to simulate debris, released with water from a tank onto a 1 m² deposition board. The force exerted by the particle flow on a building block located on the board was measured. The simulations revealed that the maximum forces exerted were 55.2 N for the fully open gate and 47.3 N for the half-open gate. These findings highlight the potential risks posed by debris flows in real-world situations. The results are valuable for risk assessments, the development of safety guidelines, and reducing the risk of debris flows in vulnerable areas.