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Automated mapping of rock slope geometry, kinematics and stability with RSS-GIS

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Abstract

A GIS-implemented, deterministic approach for the automated spatial evaluation of geometrical and kinematical properties of rock slope terrains is presented. Based on spatially distributed directional information on planar geological fabrics and DEM-derived topographic attribute data, the internal geometry of rock slopes can be characterized on a grid cell basis. For such computations, different approaches for the analysis and regionalization of available structural directional information applicable in specific tectonic settings are demonstrated and implemented in a GIS environment. Simple kinematical testing procedures based on feasibility criteria can be conducted on a pixel basis to determine which failure mechanisms are likely to occur at particular terrain locations. In combination with hydraulic and strength data on geological discontinuities, scenario-based rock slope stability evaluations can be performed. For conceptual investigations on rock slope failure processes, a GIS-based specification tool for a 2-D distinct element code (UDEC) was designed to operate with the GIS-encoded spatially distributed rock slope data. The concepts of the proposed methodology for rock slope hazard assessments are demonstrated at three different test sites in Germany.

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Acknowledgments

We are indebted to numerous collaborators testing RSS-GIS and sharing their experiences and suggestions with us, greatly contributing to the improvement of the system. We like to thank Walter Pohl (University of Braunschweig) for all his effort supporting the development and applicability of the methodology. We are grateful to Michel Jaboyedoff (University of Lausanne) and an anonymous journal referee for their constructive reviews that considerably helped to improve the manuscript.

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Author notes

  1. Jan Wienhöfer

    Present address: Institute of Water and Environment, Technische Universität München, München, Germany

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), Stilleweg 2, 30655, Hannover, Germany

    Andreas Günther

  2. Institute of Environmental Geology, TU Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany

    Jan Wienhöfer

  3. Geotechnical Institute, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Freiberg, Germany

    Heinz Konietzky

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  1. Andreas Günther
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  2. Jan Wienhöfer
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  3. Heinz Konietzky
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Correspondence to Andreas Günther.

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Günther, A., Wienhöfer, J. & Konietzky, H. Automated mapping of rock slope geometry, kinematics and stability with RSS-GIS. Nat Hazards 61, 29–49 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-011-9771-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-011-9771-2

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