A comparative analysis of physical and numerical modelling of debris flow behavior
A comparative analysis of physical and numerical modelling of debris flow behavior
This study presents a comparative analysis between physical and numerical modelling of debris flow behavior with the aim of evaluating the strengths and limitations of each approach in reproducing the mechanisms of slope failure. Physical tests were conducted using a large-scale landslide simulator (LSS), which allows the reproduction of debris flows on an adjustable inclined plane under controlled hydraulic and geometric conditions, conducted at the University of Enna Kore. The experiments focus on identifying the triggering mechanisms, flow dynamics, and deformation patterns associated with debris movement during progressive water infiltration. At the same time, a numerical model was developed to simulate the same scenarios under equivalent boundary conditions. The simulations incorporate fitting constitutive models to capture the unsaturated behavior of debris material and the evolution of pore water pressure due to rainfall. The comparison between the two approaches is expected to provide valuable insights into the initiation and evolution of debris flows, helping to identify potential consistencies in failure mechanisms and highlight areas where the models may diverge, particularly regarding flow mobility and post-failure behavior. This combined methodology demonstrates the potential of integrating numerical and physical modelling to gain a deeper understanding of debris flow behavior, validate modelling assumptions, and improve the reliability of geotechnical predictions in complex slope environments.
Valentina Lentini; Elisa Basile; Francesco Castelli; K. Pinargote
11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)
Special Session 5: Combination of numerical and physical modelling
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICPMG2026-133