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Year 2026
 
Vol 67, Issue 4, [08 - 2026] - Full papers

Comparative assessment of iRIC-Morpho2DH and RAMMS-DF for debris-flow using integrated field investigation and model validation: A case study at Tra Leng commune, Vietnam

DOI:10.46326/JMES.2026.67(4).09

  • Affiliations:

    1 University of Transport and Communications, Hanoi, Vietnam
    2 Thuy Loi University, Hanoi, Vietnam

  • *Corresponding:
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  • Received: 15th-Apr-2026
  • Revised: 25th-June-2026
  • Accepted: 5th-July-2026
  • Online: 1st-Aug-2026
Pages: 95 - 107
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Abstract:

On 28 October 2020, an intense rainfall event triggered a destructive debris-flow disaster in Hamlet 1, Tra Leng Commune, Vietnam, resulting in severe damage, including the destruction of 14 houses and 22 fatalities or missing persons. This study proposes an integrated investigation framework that combines UAV-derived photogrammetry to generate a 1 m-resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM), subsurface characterization from two 20 m-deep boreholes supported by comprehensive laboratory testing, and comparative runout modeling using the iRIC-Morpho2DH and RAMMS-DF debrisflow simulation models. Field investigations identified three major landslide source zones located upstream of the deposition area. The iRIC-Morpho2DH model successfully reproduced the temporary natural-dam formation and breach process, yielding a peak flow velocity of 13.28 m/s and a maximum flow depth of 8.70 m within the deposition zone. The RAMMS-DF model produced a peak velocity of 15.12 m/s, a maximum flow depth of 8.1 m within the deposition zone, 22.72 m (upper gorge), and a peak dynamic pressure of 438.9 kPa under the optimal parameters μ = 0.205 and ξ = 50 m/s². Both models accurately predicted the complete inundation extent of all 14 destroyed houses and showed good agreement with post-event field observations. The results indicate that iRIC-Morpho2DH is better suited for analyzing short-term dynamic processes, such as flow blockage and dam breach. In contrast, RAMMS-DF is more effective for deposition mapping and infrastructure impact assessment for hazard zoning.

How to Cite
Nguyen, L.Chau, Vu, K.Van and Do, N.Tuan 2026. Comparative assessment of iRIC-Morpho2DH and RAMMS-DF for debris-flow using integrated field investigation and model validation: A case study at Tra Leng commune, Vietnam. Journal of Mining and Earth Sciences. 67, 4 (Aug, 2026), 95-107. DOI:https://doi.org/10.46326/JMES.2026.67(4).09.
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