Item: Field Measurements and Modeling of Wave Induced Weak Layer Failure Due to an Explosion
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Title: Field Measurements and Modeling of Wave Induced Weak Layer Failure Due to an Explosion
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2014 Proceedings, Banff, Canada
Authors:
- Stephan Simioni [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos Dorf, Switzerland ]
- Rolf Sidler [ Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada ]
- Jürg Schweizer [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos Dorf, Switzerland ]
- Jürg Dual [ Institute of Mechanical Systems, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland ]
Date: 2014-09-29
Abstract: Little is known about the mechanisms involved when triggering avalanches artificially by explosions. Here we test the hypothesis that weak layer failure is mainly initiated by wave induced stresses exceeding the strength of the specific layer. We therefore performed experiments with explosives on a flat study site in winter 2013-2014 in wet and dry snowpacks. At three different distances from the point of explosion we measured surface air pressure and accelerations within the snowpack at various depths. We evaluated snow density and dielectric properties with conventional methods in snow profiles and used this information together with empirical relationships to build a Biot-type porous model of the snowpack. Acoustic wave propagation was simulated by solving Biot's equations numerically with a pseudo-spectral approach. Failure in the snowpack was modelled if compressional and shear stresses exceeded the strength limits for the corresponding snow density. Modelled failure locations were compared to the actual appearance of fractures in the field measurements. The results are a promising step towards models including more complex geometries which will help to improve planning of fixed avalanche control installations.
Language of Article: English
Presenters:
Keywords: avalanche release, avalanche control, wave propagation in snow, numerical modeling
Page Number(s): 756-769
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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