Structural Countermeasures for Debris Flow Disasters

Abstract

Countermeasures designed to preserve human lives after debris flow disasters can be classified as structural or nonstructural measures. Structural measures include checking dams, sabo structures, levees, and training channels, while nonstructural measures include warning and evacuation systems, proper land use, and improvement of buildings. Due to their geographic immobility, structures such as roads and railways can be vulnerable to debris flows. This paper describes structural countermeasures that have been used to counter debris flows in Japan. Ideally, countermeasures include a combination of structural and nonstructural measures.