Regulation effect of the grille spacing of a funnel-type grating water–sediment separation structure on the debris flow performance.

The size of pores or the grille spacing of water–sediment separation structures directly affects their regulation effect on the debris flow performance. A suitable pore size or grille spacing can effectively improve the water–sediment separation ability of the structure. The new funnel-type grating water–sediment separation structure (FGWSS) combines vertical and horizontal structures and provides a satisfactory water-sediment separation effect. However, the regulation effect of the grille spacing of the structure on the debris flow performance has not been studied. The regulation effect of the structure grille spacing on the debris flow performance is studied through a flume test, and the optimal structure grille spacing is obtained. An empirical equation of the relationship between the relative grille spacing of the structure and the sediment separation rate is established. Finally, the influence of the water–sediment separation structure on the regulation effect of debris flows is examined from two aspects: external factors (properties of debris flows) and internal factors (structural factors). The experimental results show that the gradation characteristics of solid particles in debris flows constitute a key factor affecting the regulation effect of the structure on the debris flow performance. The optimum grille spacing of the FGWSS matches the particle size corresponding to the material distribution curves d₈₅∼d₉₀ of the debris flow. The total separation rate of debris flow particles is related to the grille spacing of the structure and the content of coarse and fine particles in the debris flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]