Snow–Avalanche Impact on Structures

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Authors: Lang, Theodore E., Brown, Robert L.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1980
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s002214300001529x; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S002214300001529X

Abstract Two–dimensional hydrodynamic equations for laminar, viscous flow, and admitting a frictional slip-plane lower boundary are applied to the modeling of snow-avalanche impact on rigid wall structures. Predicted maximum pressures and pressures versus time are compared with published experimental results, and general correspondence is established. Impact pressure versus time is found to depend upon the shape of the avalanche leading edge, for which general information is lacking. Computer modeling of more complex structural configurations is feasible using the methodology reported.