Estimation of the return period of rockfall blocks according to their size

Abstract

Abstract. With reference to the rockfall risk estimation and the planning of rockfall protection devices, one of the most critical and most discussed problems is the correct definition of the design block by taking into account its return period. In this paper, a methodology for the assessment of the design block linked with its return time is proposed and discussed, following a statistical approach. The procedure is based on the survey of the blocks that were already detached from the slope and had accumulated at the foot of the slope in addition to the available historical data.

Slope stability and rockfall assessment of volcanic tuffs using RPAS with 2-D FEM slope modelling

“…To gather data on the rockfall hazard of existing cliff faces, a number of crucial data are needed on slope profiles, material properties, block sizes (De Biagi et al, 2017) and possible discontinuity surfaces that can contribute to slope instability. Slope profiles can be obtained from point clouds, while material properties have to be measured on-site (e.g.…”

Brief communication: Accuracy of the fallen blocks volume-frequency law

“…In a recent paper, De Biagi et al (2017) proposed a novel approach for defining a block volume-frequency law to be used in rockfall hazard quantification and in the design of rockfall protection structures. Given a representative area where the rockfall phenomenon occurs, the method considers the temporal occurrences of the falling block events separately from the deposit volumes distribution.…”

“…The input data for implementing the procedure are taken from observations and measurements. The present paper deals with the effects of epistemic uncertainties on the value of volumes predicted through the frequency law described in De Biagi et al (2017). As summarized by Straub and Schubert (2008), the epistemic uncertainties are related to our incomplete knowledge of the process, often because of limited data.…”

“…De Biagi et al (2017) have proposed a procedure for building a fallen block volume-frequency law for rockfall phenomenon. The input data are from both the recording of rockfall events and from the survey of fallen block volumes.…”

Slope stability and rock fall hazard assessment of volcanic tuffs using RPAS and TLS with 2D FEM slope modelling

“…To gather data on the rock fall hazard of existing cliff faces, a number of crucial data is needed: slope profiles, material properties, block size (De Biagi et al 2017) and possible discontinuity surfaces that can contribute to slope instability. Slope profiles can be obtained by TLS or RPAS, while material properties have to be measured on site (e.g.…”