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WIND TUNNEL SIMULATION OF WINDBLOWN SAND ALONG CHINA'S QINGHAI–TIBET RAILWAY
Author(s) -
Zhang K.,
Qu J.,
Han Q.,
Xie S.,
Kai K.,
Niu Q.,
An Z.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
land degradation and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1099-145X
pISSN - 1085-3278
DOI - 10.1002/ldr.2137
Subject(s) - aeolian processes , levee , geology , erosion , deposition (geology) , geotechnical engineering , hydrology (agriculture) , wind tunnel , wind speed , arid , geomorphology , oceanography , sediment , engineering , aerospace engineering , paleontology
The Qinghai–Tibet Railway is frequently damaged by windblown sand, and this hinders railway operation. To better understand the characteristics of windblown sand near the railway, wind tunnel experiments were conducted for the Tuotuo River Section, a typical stretch suffering from windblown sand damage. According to climate data, the windy period combines with an arid seasonal climate to increase the risk of blowing sand in this area. Wind tunnel simulation results showed how the airflow interacted with the railway embankment to create sand deposition as well as aeolian erosion. Sand transport rates behind the railbed fitted a Gaussian function well. The results can be used to guide the design of sand‐control structures both in the study area and in other areas that experience threats from windblown sand. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.