Numerical Simulation of Landslide-Generated Waves in Reservoirs Using a Coupled SPH-DCDEM Method

Abstract

Landslide-generated waves occur when sliding masses impact the water surface, potentially posing significant hazards to nearby areas. This study utilizes the smoothed particle hydrodynamics–distributed contact discrete-element method (SPH-DCDEM) coupling module within DualSPHysics to simulate landslide-generated waves in reservoirs, where the SPH method models the fluid flow and the DCDEM method captures the dynamics of the granular landslide mass. The accuracy and effectiveness of the SPH-DCDEM method in simulating landslide-generated waves are validated using two physical model experiments of subaerial landslide-generated waves. Using a simplified representation of a reservoir bank deposit at the RuMei (RM) Hydropower Station in China, this study conducts an in-depth analysis elucidating the key parameters that control landslide-generated waves in reservoirs. It is found that landslide thickness and landslide entry velocity are the primary controlling factors for two-dimensional granular landslides. Empirical formulas for predicting the maximum wave height and maximum run-up height for the RongSong (RS) landslide deposit at the RM Hydropower Station are developed. The results highlight the potential for more concentrated energy and greater destructive power in landslide-generated waves in mountainous reservoirs compared to those in open water areas.