CADZIE - Project methology

In order to attain the objectives, the project will be divided in 5 WorkPackages. Each workpackage is subdivided into tasks.

Workpackage 1
Workpackage leader : Carl Kleemeyer
Integrated decision supporting system based oin numrical models for catastrophic avalanche hazard zoning
The aim of this workpackage is to create a system that automatically finds the best-fit set of parameters for a model, given a data set for an area. The system will also provide information on the sensitivity of the model’s results to its parameters. There is also strong need to calibrate the different models on real avalanches. Each of the participating countries will therefore supply a set of well documented extreme avalanches so that all the actual run-out models in use, could be calibrated towards real events.
Task 1.1 Standardization of the inputs and outputs of avalanches models

Task 1.2 Integration in G.I.S. of different avalanches models

Task 1.3 Collection of existing data concerning extreme avalanche events

Task 1.4 Inter comparison, calibration and sensitivity analysis of different avalanches models

Task 1.5 Integration of defense structures in numerical models

Task 1.6 Validation of macro-scale models using existing field data concerning the interaction between flow avalanches and defense structures

Task 1.7 Risk management, including cost-benefit analysis of defense structures

Workpackage 2
Workpackage leader : Perry Bartelt
Determination of the macro-scale laws of the Interaction of dense flow with defenses structures Task 2.1 Similarity criteria

Task 2.2 3D numerical analysis at micros-scale

Task 2.3 Physical micro-scale analysis using instrumented physical models

Workpackage 3
Workpackage leader : Florence Naaim
Determination of the macro-scale laws of the Interaction of powder flow with defenses structures
To date almost all powder snow avalanche studies on micro-scale physical models have been done using the gravity current theory. The aim of the first task is to consider the avalanche as a two-phase flow (air plus ice) and for the first time, to carry out a comprehensive similarity analysis using the basic equations of such a flow. Vertical Average Numerical model are unable to take into account defense structure. The aim of the second task is to perform 3D numerical micro-scale analysis (scale of the defense structures) in order to obtain general laws governing momentum and energy losses, which can be introduced in numerical macroscopic models as usual in hydraulics.
In the Third task, Physical micro-scale analysis using instrumented physical models will be used to study the two-phase flow around a defense structure.
In the last task a physical analysis of the efficiency reduction of defense structures due to snow drift will be studied. According to prevalent wind direction a defense structure can act as a snow fence. As this structure fill with snow its efficiency decrease rapidly with snowdrift. This could be a real problem. It will studied and simulated in a wind tunnel.
Task 3.1 Similarity criteria

Task 3.2 3D numerical micro-scale analysis

Task 3.3 Physical micro-scale analysis using instrumented physical models

Workpackage 4
Workpackage leader : Ulrich Domaas
Field Data
During this century databases concerning the extreme avalanche events were built throughout Europe. In recent years defense structures have been built to stop and deflect avalanches. Some of the structures (catching dam, deflecting dam and channeling dam) have been hit by avalanches, and in many avalanche sites, large avalanches are also deflected by natural obstructions. Valuable experience was gained in this field in European countries. However, little has been done to disseminate this knowledge throughout Europe. The objective of this work package is to create a database containing the extreme events and the data concerning the interaction between avalanches and defense structures from field observations Task 1: Investigation of full scale avalanches and the effects of deflecting and catching dams,

Task 2: Development of a database to be used by the other sub-program to verify the dynamics models,

Task 3: Each avalanche path/terrain will be digitized,

Task 4 : Each avalanche record will be digitally mapped,

Task 5: each avalanche will have a table with detailed measurements and historical photos

Workpackage 5
Workpackage leader : Horst Schaffhauser
Transfer to end-users
This sub-project’s aim is to disseminate the results and systems of the previous sub-projects from the researchers to the engineers, consultants and planners. Its aim is to make the results easily accessible without compromising their scientific integrity. Practitioners will asked what functionarities they need and thus facilitating a two-way flow of information and expertise between researchers and practitioners. We will disseminate the results through handbooks, training courses and seminars. This activity will be performed in close collaboration with engineers who work on practical solutions of avalanche problems. Task 1 - List of existing defense structures,

Task 2 - Pre-standardization of decision support system zoning tools,

Task 3 - Handbook,

Task 4 -Training courses preparation and organization

Back to Cadzie Project

Workpackage 1 Workpackage leader : Carl Kleemeyer Integrated decision supporting system based oin numrical models for catastrophic avalanche hazard zoning The aim of this workpackage is to create a system that automatically finds the best-fit set of parameters for a model, given a data set for an area. The system will also provide information on the sensitivity of the model’s results to its parameters. There is also strong need to calibrate the different models on real avalanches. Each of the participating countries will therefore supply a set of well documented extreme avalanches so that all the actual run-out models in use, could be calibrated towards real events.	Task 1.1	Standardization of the inputs and outputs of avalanches models
	Task 1.2	Integration in G.I.S. of different avalanches models
	Task 1.3	Collection of existing data concerning extreme avalanche events
	Task 1.4	Inter comparison, calibration and sensitivity analysis of different avalanches models
	Task 1.5	Integration of defense structures in numerical models
	Task 1.6	Validation of macro-scale models using existing field data concerning the interaction between flow avalanches and defense structures
	Task 1.7	Risk management, including cost-benefit analysis of defense structures
Workpackage 2 Workpackage leader : Perry Bartelt Determination of the macro-scale laws of the Interaction of dense flow with defenses structures	Task 2.1	Similarity criteria
	Task 2.2	3D numerical analysis at micros-scale
	Task 2.3	Physical micro-scale analysis using instrumented physical models
Workpackage 3 Workpackage leader : Florence Naaim Determination of the macro-scale laws of the Interaction of powder flow with defenses structures To date almost all powder snow avalanche studies on micro-scale physical models have been done using the gravity current theory. The aim of the first task is to consider the avalanche as a two-phase flow (air plus ice) and for the first time, to carry out a comprehensive similarity analysis using the basic equations of such a flow. Vertical Average Numerical model are unable to take into account defense structure. The aim of the second task is to perform 3D numerical micro-scale analysis (scale of the defense structures) in order to obtain general laws governing momentum and energy losses, which can be introduced in numerical macroscopic models as usual in hydraulics. In the Third task, Physical micro-scale analysis using instrumented physical models will be used to study the two-phase flow around a defense structure. In the last task a physical analysis of the efficiency reduction of defense structures due to snow drift will be studied. According to prevalent wind direction a defense structure can act as a snow fence. As this structure fill with snow its efficiency decrease rapidly with snowdrift. This could be a real problem. It will studied and simulated in a wind tunnel.	Task 3.1	Similarity criteria
	Task 3.2	3D numerical micro-scale analysis
	Task 3.3	Physical micro-scale analysis using instrumented physical models
Workpackage 4 Workpackage leader : Ulrich Domaas Field Data During this century databases concerning the extreme avalanche events were built throughout Europe. In recent years defense structures have been built to stop and deflect avalanches. Some of the structures (catching dam, deflecting dam and channeling dam) have been hit by avalanches, and in many avalanche sites, large avalanches are also deflected by natural obstructions. Valuable experience was gained in this field in European countries. However, little has been done to disseminate this knowledge throughout Europe. The objective of this work package is to create a database containing the extreme events and the data concerning the interaction between avalanches and defense structures from field observations	Task 1:	Investigation of full scale avalanches and the effects of deflecting and catching dams,
	Task 2:	Development of a database to be used by the other sub-program to verify the dynamics models,
	Task 3:	Each avalanche path/terrain will be digitized,
	Task 4 :	Each avalanche record will be digitally mapped,
	Task 5:	each avalanche will have a table with detailed measurements and historical photos
Workpackage 5 Workpackage leader : Horst Schaffhauser Transfer to end-users This sub-project’s aim is to disseminate the results and systems of the previous sub-projects from the researchers to the engineers, consultants and planners. Its aim is to make the results easily accessible without compromising their scientific integrity. Practitioners will asked what functionarities they need and thus facilitating a two-way flow of information and expertise between researchers and practitioners. We will disseminate the results through handbooks, training courses and seminars. This activity will be performed in close collaboration with engineers who work on practical solutions of avalanche problems.	Task 1	- List of existing defense structures,
	Task 2	- Pre-standardization of decision support system zoning tools,
	Task 3	- Handbook,
	Task 4	-Training courses preparation and organization