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Debris flow hazard mapping along linear infrastructure: An agent based mode and GIS approach

August 25, 2023

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By Richard Guthrie, Thad Wasklewicz and Graham Knibbs

Stantec Geohazards experts discuss hazard mapping along linear infrastructure at the 8th International Conference on Debris Flow Hazard Mitigation

Stantec’s Dr. Rick Guthrie, Dr. Thad Wasklewicz, and Graham Knibbs present how often linear infrastructure, including rail, highways, and pipelines, span large geographic areas intersecting a variety of terrain, predisposing infrastructure to a higher likelihood of geohazard interaction. DebrisFlow Predictor (DFP) is a shallow landslide runout software that provides probabilistic spatial outputs of deposition and scour along a simulated landslide path. The path, or rather simulated runout, is produced by agents interacting with the topographic conditions of a 5-metre digital elevation model (DEM), and other surrounding agents in the model environment.

New methods for remotely assessing hazard are becoming available as processing capacity and higher resolution data become readily accessible. The approach of utilizing a novel agent-based model, such as DebrisFlow Predictor, in such a manner has enabled the quantification of probabilistic hazard results across widespread regions with modest limitations and arguably astounding visual aids in support of communicating results.

  • Richard Guthrie

    Richard brings over 25 years of experience in geotechnical analysis and expert advice, gaining some impressive industry recognition along the way.

    Contact Richard
  • Thad Wasklewicz

    Thad is a principal and team leader for Stantec’s geohazard and geomorphology services. He applies high-resolution topography and 2D modeling to manage environmental hazards, and he’s an accomplished technical author in geomatics.

    Contact Thad
  • Graham Knibbs

    As a geoscientist, Graham is a geohazard specialist who focuses his expertise on landslides. He identifies, assesses, analyzes, and reports terrain and geohazard information in support of capital projects, emergency management, and research.

    Contact Graham
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