The structure of particle-laden gas flows in a horizontal-to-vertical elbow is investigated numerically for analysing the required modelling depth. The numerical computations are performed with the fully coupled Euler-Lagrange approach considering all the relevant forces: drag, gravity-buoyancy and lift forces (slip-shear and slip-rotational). Moreover, interparticle and particle-rough wall collisions are taken into account by means of stochastic approaches. The effect of the different mechanisms, i.e. wall roughness, inter-particle collisions and mass loading, on the flow structure in the bend and the resulting pressure drop are investigated.