Numerical Analysis of the Dynamic Response of a Prestressed Reinforced Concrete Retaining Dam Under the Impact of Debris Flow Block Stones

Debris flow is a common geological disaster in mountainous areas, characterized by its sudden onset, frequent occurrence, and high destructive power. Retaining dams are one of the most commonly used measures for debris flow prevention and are widely applied in debris flow management projects. This study investigates the impact resistance of retaining dams in high-altitude cold regions by establishing a three-dimensional numerical model of the retaining dam. The results show that the impact depth, resultant impact force, and acceleration of the prestressed reinforced concrete retaining dam with embedded prestressed reinforcement are significantly lower than those of the concrete retaining dam. The prestressed reinforced concrete retaining dam with embedded prestressed reinforcement can improve its impact resistance, effectively mitigating the impact of debris flow block collisions. The impact depth and resultant impact force of the prestressed reinforced concrete retaining dam both increase with the steel ball’s impact speed, impact angle, and impact mass, while they decrease with an increase in the shape coefficient of the steel ball. The effects of different parameters of the steel ball on the impact depth and resultant impact force of the barrier vary. The research findings provide a scientific basis for the design of barriers in the prevention and control of debris flows in high-altitude cold regions.