Influence of rock shape on rockfall trajectory and hazard analyses: Design of protective measures for a Himalayan slope in India.
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| Title: | Influence of rock shape on rockfall trajectory and hazard analyses: Design of protective measures for a Himalayan slope in India. |
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| Authors: | Kundu, Saroj1 (AUTHOR), Bhowmik, Riya1 (AUTHOR) riya.bhowmik@iitjammu.ac.in |
| Source: | Journal of Earth System Science. Jun2025, Vol. 134 Issue 2, p1-26. 26p. |
| Subjects: | Rockfall, Rock analysis, Rigid bodies, Kinetic energy, Embankments |
| Abstract: | This study assesses rockfall risk and the effectiveness of passive protection measures using trajectory analyses on a vulnerable Himalayan slope along the Manali–Leh Highway in Northern India. Trajectory analyses employ two methods: The rigorous 'rigid body' approach, considering rock shape and size, and the simplified 'lumped mass' approach, treating rock blocks as a single spherical mass. Using RocFall 2D, the analyses assess 15,500 potential rockfall paths to determine translational velocities, kinetic energies, and bounce heights. These results are then used to evaluate hazard levels on the considered section of the highway and for the dimensioning and positioning of protective measures. The findings of the trajectory analyses reveal that the degree of sphericity of rock shapes significantly influences runout distances, rotational velocities, and associated kinetic energies. Higher sphericity, observed in circular and hexagonal-shaped rocks, corresponds to increased runout distances, rotational velocities, energies, and subsequent hazards to the roadway. Moreover, bounce height is not only contingent on shape but also on intricate interactions involving slope parameters, rotational and translational velocities, and block orientation upon impact. Consequently, this study emphasizes the vital role of considering rock shape when interpreting trajectory analysis results. Using critical values derived from trajectory analyses, the study formulates designs for two passive rockfall protection measures: rockfall protection embankment (RPE) and flexible barriers, following relevant standards and literature. Given the absence of standardized RPE designs, an extensive review of experimental studies on RPEs guided the development of a design methodology aligned with IRC: HRB (2014) recommendations. A thorough evaluation of the two countermeasures shows that both RPEs and flexible barriers effectively protect against rockfall risk. However, RPEs prove less practical due to space constraints at the slope's base. These study findings will assist designers and industry practitioners in adopting suitable methodologies for planning and designing passive rockfall protection measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Engineering Source |
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| Abstract: | This study assesses rockfall risk and the effectiveness of passive protection measures using trajectory analyses on a vulnerable Himalayan slope along the Manali–Leh Highway in Northern India. Trajectory analyses employ two methods: The rigorous 'rigid body' approach, considering rock shape and size, and the simplified 'lumped mass' approach, treating rock blocks as a single spherical mass. Using RocFall 2D, the analyses assess 15,500 potential rockfall paths to determine translational velocities, kinetic energies, and bounce heights. These results are then used to evaluate hazard levels on the considered section of the highway and for the dimensioning and positioning of protective measures. The findings of the trajectory analyses reveal that the degree of sphericity of rock shapes significantly influences runout distances, rotational velocities, and associated kinetic energies. Higher sphericity, observed in circular and hexagonal-shaped rocks, corresponds to increased runout distances, rotational velocities, energies, and subsequent hazards to the roadway. Moreover, bounce height is not only contingent on shape but also on intricate interactions involving slope parameters, rotational and translational velocities, and block orientation upon impact. Consequently, this study emphasizes the vital role of considering rock shape when interpreting trajectory analysis results. Using critical values derived from trajectory analyses, the study formulates designs for two passive rockfall protection measures: rockfall protection embankment (RPE) and flexible barriers, following relevant standards and literature. Given the absence of standardized RPE designs, an extensive review of experimental studies on RPEs guided the development of a design methodology aligned with IRC: HRB (2014) recommendations. A thorough evaluation of the two countermeasures shows that both RPEs and flexible barriers effectively protect against rockfall risk. However, RPEs prove less practical due to space constraints at the slope's base. These study findings will assist designers and industry practitioners in adopting suitable methodologies for planning and designing passive rockfall protection measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 02534126 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s12040-025-02519-z |
