Discrete-element investigation of influence of granular debris flow baffles on rigid barrier impact

Granular debris flow baffles are commonly installed in front of rigid barriers to dissipate flow energy and reduce the required barrier impact capacity. Despite the engineering value of baffles, their influence on rigid barrier impact is still not well understood. A previously calibrated discrete element method (DEM) model using a series of flume experiments was adopted to study the effectiveness of installing baffles in front of a rigid barrier. Froude scaling was used to characterize the flow front. Different baffle configurations were examined, namely number of rows, spacing between successive rows (L), and baffle height. Results reveal an optimum row spacing of L/D = 3 (D is the slit size). Row spacing less than L/D = 3 leads to increased peak dynamic force from overflow impacting the barrier, whereas row spacing greater than L/D = 3 results in increased peak dynamic force from the granular debris flow front. Increasing spacing greater than L/D = 3 allows the dispersion of debris between rows and decreases the effectiveness of the second row. Adopting baffle heights greater than 1.5 times the approach flow depth (h) reveals little influence on the peak impact force induced on the barrier.