Modelling of rockfall motion - a review
- Authors: Urška PETJE, Matjaž MIKOŠ, Bojan MAJES
- Citation: Acta hydrotechnica, vol. 23, no. 38, pp. 19-38, 2005.
- Abstract: An analysis of natural hazards caused by rockfalls (common expression for falling stones and boulders; and other similar forms of gravitational mass movements) is an important element of risk management in mountainous regions. Due to their energy and velocity rockfalls represent an especially dangerous hazard factor. Because of that rockfalls are given much attention all over the world and they are modelled in different ways – simulating their paths and run-out distances. In this paper, a literature review of the main characteristics of the most important non-comprehensive rockfall models is presented. The dispositional models are those that tell us where a hazardous process may occur. The process-based models simulate rockfall process dynamics. They can be classified in relation to the process approach into empirical models and into analytical models. Empirical process-based models are generally based on the relationship between topographic factors and rockfall run-out zone. Analytical process-based models are composed of a trajectory model and a friction model. They describe and provide 2-D or 3-D simulation of the movement of the rockfall masses and can be differentiated regarding the way how the rockfall mass (lumped mass, rigid body shape) and the movement on the slope (bouncing, rolling, sliding) are described, respectively. The GIS-based models use the advantages of this system and work in three steps: the determination of rockfall source areas, the determination of trajectories of single boulders, and the determination of run-out distances and run-out zones. The main aim of the review on modelling of rockfall motion is to make it easier for the professionals to choose an adequate rockfall model at local and regional scales.
- Keywords: rockfalls, rockslides, modelling, geographical information systems, natural hazards, risk management, environment 19 Petje, U., Mikoš, M., Majes, B. Modeliranje gibanja skalnih podorov – pregled – Modelling of Rockfall Motion – A Review © Acta hydrotechnica 23/38 (2005), 19–38, Ljubljana
- Full text: a38up.pdf