Approximate Solutions for the Interruption of Creep and Glide by Avalanche Defenses
Abstract This paper presents a numerical calculation procedure for the stress and deformation analysis of a snow mass which is creeping and gliding on an inclined surface and which may, in addition, be restrained by rigid obstacles. The analysis is based on the assumption that the velocity profile a...
| Published in: | Journal of Glaciology |
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| Main Authors: | , |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
1977
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000029257 https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000029257 |
| Summary: | Abstract This paper presents a numerical calculation procedure for the stress and deformation analysis of a snow mass which is creeping and gliding on an inclined surface and which may, in addition, be restrained by rigid obstacles. The analysis is based on the assumption that the velocity profile at any position in the snow-pack is linear, that is, that sections initially plane remain plane during deformation. Such motion has been observed to occur in the neutral zone and is certainly true at a rigid barrier; accordingly, it appears to be reasonable to restrict the velocity field to be plane everywhere. A constitutive law for steady creep is used which is consistent with the observed neutral zone motion. The solution procedure is illustrated by its application to some problems of avalanche defense barriers. The cases investigated include: continuous barriers, cylindrical barriers, and barriers of finite width. Barrier forces and the extent of back-pressure zones are given. |
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