Repetitive Rockfall Trajectory Testing

Abstract

Numerical simulations of rockfall trajectories are a standard procedure for evaluating rockfall hazards. For these simulations, corresponding software codes must be calibrated and evaluated based on field data. This study addresses methods of repeatable rockfall tests, and investigates whether it is possible to produce traceable and statistically analysable data. A testing series is described extensively covering how to conduct rockfall experiments and how certain elements of rockfall trajectories can be measured. The tests use acceleration and rotation sensors inside test blocks, a system to determine block positions over time, surveying measurements, and video recordings. All systems are evaluated regarding their usability in the field and for analyses. The highly detailed description of testing methods is the basis for sound understanding and reproducibility of the tests. This article serves as a reference for future publications and other rockfall field tests, both as a guide and as a basis for comparisons. First analyses deliver information on runout with a shadow angle ranging between 21 and 45 degrees for a slope consisting of homogeneous soft soil. A digital elevation model of the test site as well as point clouds of the used test blocks are part of this publication.

Key issues in 3D rockfall modeling, natural hazard and risk assessment for rockfall protection in Hrensko (Czechia)

“…4a and 4c). This approach follows the reference for future rockfall analyses by Volkwein et al (2018).…”

“…However, due to the complexity and intrinsic stochastic nature of rockfall physics and the uncertainty of all the relevant parameters, 3D rockfall modeling is still difficult. Successful use of modeling programs requires a thorough understanding of their logic, assumptions, advantages and limitations, as well as careful assessment of rockfall sources, blocks and slope characteristics, and model calibration data (Frattini et al, 2012;Volkwein et al, 2018).…”

Evaluating Rockfall Risk: Some Critical Aspects

“…The bouncing and rolling phases still remain one of the most unclear and enigmatic portion of the whole rockfall trajectory because of the relevant effects that even a small variation in the boundary conditions could generate on them. Bouncing is generally modeled by adopting simplified approaches based on one or two restitution coefficients evaluated experimentally [5,[47][48][49].…”

Analysis of rockfall hazards along NH-15: a case study of Al-Hada road

“…The specific program is commonly in use to investigate the rockfall such as the rocscience product RocFall and Colorado Rocfall Simulation Program (CRSP). Currently, RocFall (rocscience inc.) is the most widely used [15,16,21] to identify the assessment of slopes at risk for rockfalls. Therefore, RocFall program was used in this study because of more advantages compared to CRSP [22].…”