University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal
Gewählte Master / Diploma Thesis:
Matthias Granig
(2003):
Snowdrift around avalanche defence structures - Physical modelling in a wind channel.
Master / Diploma Thesis,
BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur,
pp 85.
UB BOKU
obvsg
- Abstract:
- The effect of avalanche defence structures depends largely on their effective height relative to the flow depth of the avalanche. Snow depositions from earlier avalanches, as well as from drifting snow can alter the effective height of defence structures significantly. This leads to a decrease of the retarding efficiency of the structure. 11 different designs of avalanche breaking mounds and retarding dams were tested in the wind tunnel for their effect on drifting snow.The results show that the accumulated snow varies widely with the design of the structure for a given wind direction. The accumulation pattern strongly depends on the height to breadth ratio and the size of the gaps between the avalanche breaking mounds. The last part of this report is dedicated to a review of avalanche simulations done by Hakonardottir et al. 2001. The synthesis of the results derived from avalanche simulations with the findings in the wind channel showed that the "Mounds Coupe" are the most suitable barriers in terms of minimising snowdrift around the structures and avalanche retarding efficiency.
- Beurteilende(r):