Rockfall simulation on a rock slope along E75 road at km 890+725 to 891+093

Abstract

The section of E75 motorway under construction was subjected to simulation of potential rockfall hazard. 3D point-cloud surface model of the rock slope, obtained by a combination of LiDAR and UAV techniques, was used for mapping of discontinuities, their orientation and spacing. These were inputs for appropriate slope stability analyses, which were further used do delineate potential depletion zones or rockfall block sources. Once delineated, source zones were used to simulate 3D rock trajectories over 3D surface slope model, for various block sizes. All trajectories were compared and evaluated for their potential impact on the viaduct setting, based on their spatial propagation, kinetic energies and forces, bouncing heights etc. Finally, according preventive measures for rockfall hazard mitigation were proposed.