Protection against falling rocks on roads in a mountainous area - Experiences from Switzerland

Abstract

Whether digital or real - mobility is a basic human need of everyday life in all segments. Therefore, the importance of roads and railways continues to gain in importance even in the age of digital highways. Many traffic routes have a century-old tradition. They are located in valleys and notches for overcoming mountains and mountain ranges. The design and maintenance of these traffic routes are particularly complex. An important part of this task is protection against stone impact in the mountains, but also in hilly areas. Even if there was no danger of rocks falling for decades or it was not known: due to climate change, the impact of water, the process of freezing and thawing and the growth of tree roots, there can be a significant risk.