08 August 2020
Surigao del Norte Debris Flow Barrier: A Cost-Efficient and Robust Solution for Natural Hazard Mitigation
Cost-efficient and robust debris flow barrier solution that will permanently eliminate or reduce the risk to human life and property from natural hazards.
The construction of Maccaferri Debris Flow Barrier in Malimono, Surigao del Norte, Mindanao, will limit the initiation of a debris flow and restrain it when a flow event happens. An alternative solution to the traditional, expensive, and prolonged construction of check dams and diversion berms.
Debris flows are mainly triggered by typhoons that bring heavy rains and trigger debris avalanches that eventually transform into debris flows in stream channels. If left unchecked, these debris flows can cause irreparable damage to infrastructures along its path.
The road in Malimono, Surigao del Norte, which is a component of the Surigao-Agusan West Coastal Road in the northern tip of Mindanao, is exposed to the natural hazard of the debris flow. The newly constructed road is in danger of being swept away in next monsoon season or when typhoon visits the area.
With the limited budget, the Department of Public Works and Highways decided to adopt the catch-fence solutions over the more costly and prolonged construction of check dams and diversion berms. DPWH engaged Maccaferri Philippines to supply and provide technical assistance on the installation of debris flow barriers.
The Maccaferri Debris Flow Barriers are customized to suit the dimensions of the project, the anticipated debris material, and the expected volume of the flow. The debris flow barrier has a capacity of 160 KPa and was constructed in two (2) rows of 50 meters located at 170 meters upstream of the newly constructed road along a flood plain.
The budget-friendly and relatively fast installation of the debris flow barrier will provide a long-term robust solution and will limit the initiation of a debris flow and restrain it when a flow event happens. Maccaferri Debris Flow Barrier offers strength and performance without the aesthetic intrusion of other debris flow systems.
Angliongto Construction & Supply, the Installer, and Equi-Parco Construction Company, the general contractor, completed the debris flow barrier project in March 2020.
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