Simulation of Desert Accumulation and Dangerous Road Section Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics

Abstract

Sand accumulation on highway pavements in wind–sand environments decreases friction and affects safety. This study uses Fluent simulations to analyze sand accumulation on the desert section of Uma Highway. Key findings include the following. Wind speed: between 10 and 12.5 m/s, wind speed minimally affects sand accumulation on embankment roads but significantly affects rift valley roads. Wind direction: sand accumulation is less likely on embankment surfaces with wind directions under 67° and on rift valley roads under 60°. Roadbed height: a 5 m roadbed height has the least impact on sand accumulation. Side slope ratio: slopes greater than or equal to 1:3 are more prone to sand accumulation. A 1:2.5 slope best transports sand and minimizes accumulation. Road width: road width has minimal effect on sand transport efficiency. Using a multivariate linear model, sand concentrations are classified into four hazard grades for the Uma Highway desert section: Grade 4 (6.15%), Grade 3 (16.44%), Grade 2 (32.21%), and Grade 1 (45.02%).