Abstract
In this research, we present a new approach to define the distribution of block volumes during rockfall simulations. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are utilized to generate high-accuracy 3D models of the inaccessible SW flank of the Mount Rava (Italy), to provide improved definition of data gathered from conventional geomechanical surveys and to also denote important changes in the fracture intensity. These changes are likely related to the variation of the bedding thickness and to the presence of fracture corridors in fault damage zones in some areas of the slope. The dataset obtained integrating UAV and conventional surveys is then utilized to create and validate two accurate 3D discrete fracture network models, representative of high and low fracture intensity areas, respectively. From these, the ranges of block volumes characterizing the in situ rock mass are extracted, providing important input for rockfall simulations. Initially, rockfall simulations were performed assuming a uniform block volume variation for each release cell. However, subsequent simulations used a more realistic nonuniform distribution of block volumes, based on the relative block volume frequency extracted from discrete fracture network (DFN) models. The results of the simulations were validated against recent rockfall events and show that it is possible to integrate into rockfall simulations a more realistic relative frequency distribution of block volumes using the results of DFN analyses.
Highlights
Rockfalls are a major hazard to persons and property, especially in proximity of infrastructure such as roads, railways and housing
Three main photogrammetric models were derived from the Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) surveys (UAV 1–3)
This paper describes the integrated use of UAV data and discrete fracture network (DFN) modeling to improve the results of rockfall simulation
Summary
Rockfalls are a major hazard to persons and property, especially in proximity of infrastructure such as roads, railways and housing. The area is characterized by deposits of paleolandslide and more recent landslide/rockfall events. During such recent rockfall events, rock blocks of volume varying between ca. 0.01 to 500 m3 detached from the SW flank of the Mount Rava and travelled up until the base of the slope as well as in proximity of infrastructures such the Frattura road, the Frattura Vecchia village and the Frattura graveyard (Figure 1). This section of the mountain was thoroughly investigated through conventional and remote sensing surveys, with the final objective to define an innovative approach based on the integration of structural geomechanical and rockfall trajectory analyses, and to provide improved understanding of the rockfall hazard posed by the geological setting.
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