3D Rockfall Modeling and Mitigation Design Reliability

Abstract

Rockfall hazard mitigation is critical for public safety and for maintenance of transportation facilities in mountainous regions. The mechanisms of rockfall on slopes are complex. Recently numerous mechanical and mathematical models have been developed to accurately simulate rockfall. The challenges of numerical models have been: (1) validating the parameters of the models to implement the different geo-material properties and slope conditions, such as hardness of rocks and the slope, size and shapes of rocks, slope roughness and geometry, geological conditions, presence of water, ice, snow, vegetation etc. and (2) answering engineering questions such as mitigation structure locations, heights, lengths, angles, strengths, as well as reliability and risk analysis of the mitigation structures. A newly developed rockfall simulation program, CRSP-3D, is based on the discrete element modeling technique and provides an advanced technical approach that allows engineers to back-calculate and calibrate rock and slope parameters using available data from field investigations, site explorations, and field test results. Once the slope model is calibrated, it can be used to accurately simulate future rockfalls and to design rockfall barriers, attenuators, and catchment areas in 3D. Statistical methods developed in CRSP-3D also provide a powerful tool for mitigation reliability design. This study focuses on reliability and efficiency of rock- fall mitigation design by placing the structures at different locations on a slope.