Sediment and Large Wood Trapping Structures: Best Options and Functional Design Approach
By
Prof Guillaume Piton
Universite Grenoble Alpes (France), Torrential Erosion,
Snow Avalanche Research Unit, IRTSEA
Abstract
Sediment and large wood trapping structures, also called SABO dams or open check dams, are regularly used in debris-flows and debris-flood mitigation schemes. They are very effective and efficient when used at appropriate sites and then correctly designed & maintained. Still, the processes occurring in these structures that result in the trapping of all or part of the solid load remain poorly understood. As a consequence, numerous structures are ill-designed generating high maintenance costs, the requirement for complementary works, and/or a higher likelihood of failure. Better understanding the driving mechanisms of deposition and erosion processes at the fan scale and at the structure scale may help design engineers to select the best type of structure for a given site and to design its shape and geometry in the most efficient manner.
Biography
Dr. Piton has 10 years of experience in flood protection in mountain catchments. He holds a Master degree in civil engineering (2009) and a PhD in earth science (2016) from the Université Grenoble Alpes (France). He worked from 2009 to 2013 at ARTELIA, a large consulting company, designing flood protection systems and river restoration projects in the French Alps. Dr. Piton then joined his current research unit to perform research in hydraulics, steep creek geomorphology, solid transport and hazard mitigation in mountain catchments. His PhD thesis entitled “Sediment transport control by check dams and open check dams in Alpine torrents” focuses on the protection effectiveness of check dams and debris retention basins and was awarded the Jean Valemblois Award for best PhD thesis in fluid mechanics in 2017 by the French Hydrotechnic Association (SHF). Dr. Piton has co-authored more than 20 journal and conference papers on solid transport and mitigation measures. He also performs consulting and design studies of protection measures in France and Canada, and advises the French Ministry services in charge of flood risk on topics related to debris-flow and debris-flood hazards and risks.
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