Geomechanical study and rock fall hazard analysis in the historical Centre of Forza d’Agrò (Messina - Italy)

Abstract

The present study shows the result of a rock fall hazard evaluation of the area downstream the Norman Castle that overlooks Forza d’Agro (Messina Province - Italy). The study was aimed at evaluating the penetration capacity of a rockfall in the inhabited center, to evaluate the number of houses involved in the transit area of the boulders. On the basis of the data obtained, a hazard assessment was developed that took into account not only the type and magnitude of the landslide phenomenon, but also the probability of occurrence of the event or its return time.