Physical modelling of natural hazards

Davies, M.C.R., Bowman, E.T. and White, D.J. (2010) Physical modelling of natural hazards. Springman, Sarah (ed.) In Research and Innovation using Geotechnical Physical Modelling : Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics 2010, ICPMG 2010. vol. 1, CRC Press. pp. 3-22 .

Record type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)

Abstract

In order to assess the risks associated with a natural hazard, it is necessary that as full an understanding as possible is available about the mechanisms associated with it. This paper considers how physical modelling may be used to study the mechanisms associated with natural hazards that have direct geotechnical implications. Physical modelling may be conducted to understand trigger mechanisms as well as the mechanisms they initiate, and this knowledge may be used to inform the processes of geotechnical risk assessment. Close control over material properties and well defined boundary conditions in physical models enable repeatability that permits parametric studies to be conducted. Physical model testing can also be used to validate analytical and numerical methods and assess techniques for hazard reduction or rehabilitation. Examples of physical modelling studies to obtain a greater understanding of the mechanisms associated with sliding slopes, earthquake surface fault rupture and slope instabilities due to climate change driven permafrost degradation are presented and the current state-of-the-art assessed.

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