PARTICLES 2025

Keynote

A Material Point Method with Critical State μ(I)-Rheology for Alpine Mass Movements

  • Gaume, Johan (Eth Zürich)
  • Blatny, Lars (SLF Davos)
  • Kohler, Michael (SLF Davos)
  • Kyburz, Michael (SLF Davos)
  • Vicari, Hervé (SLF Davos)
  • Wissmann, Philipp (ETH Zürich)

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We present a newly developed numerical model [1,2] designed to address the practical needs of engineers evaluating the risks related to alpine mass movements. Based on the Material Point Method (MPM) and finite-strain elasto(visco)plasticity, our model can incorporate various material models representing snow, ice, rock, and water. This enables detailed simulations of a wide range of materials under different flow regimes. Rate-dependent cohesive Drucker-Prager and Modified Cam Clay models, which both recovers the liquid μ(I) granular rheology under flow, have been implemented and validated. Key features of the model include: 1) physical input data that can be derived from classical geotechnical or field experiments; 2) explicit simulation of bed entrainment; 3) the ability to simulate interactions with complex mitigation structures at very high resolution, achieving scales as fine as decimeters and evaluating the resulting impacts. The model is designed with practical applications in mind, integrating seamlessly with GIS tools to automate the visualization and interpretation of results in three-dimensional terrain. Validation against well-documented cases demonstrates our model’s potential to replicate and predict real-world phenomena with high fidelity. Additionally, its application to future possibly catastrophic rock avalanche events and to dam overflow analysis highlights its potential for supporting predictions and simulation-guided recommendations for the design and optimization of mitigation measures. As a tool for hazard assessment and engineering design, our model represents a promising step forward in modeling alpine mass movements, enabling us to perform tailored simulations for engineers and provide them with practical and versatile solutions.