Design Approach to Rockfall-Related Problems

Abstract

Nowadays the correct dimensioning of rockfall mitigation systems is possible with the aid of numerical simulation programs, which study the behavior of a falling rock (actually a series of them) and allows to define the most relevant parameters of the mitigation system. Unfortunately, the input parameters for the numerical simulations are not always easy to define, moreover, the uncertainty linked to some aspects of the problem is very high. For these reasons, experience plays a major role in rockfall design, especially without a worldwide defined approach. Starting from some case histories the authors have defined how to develop a design approach, based on a national standard, which allows the correct dimensioning of a solution, considering the various aspect of the problem and the sources of uncertainty. The goal is to allow the designers’ community to approach this kind of project with some formal tools even in the absence of specific experience and to arrive at safe results.