Data collated from field studies and experimentation is providing the essential calibration data to test and validate the new RAMMS rockfall (see Figure below) model which we are developing in collaboration with the Centre of Mechanics, Department of Mechanical & Process Engineering ETH Zürich. The RAMMS:rockfall model employs rigid body mechanics which permits an explicit description of arbitrary three dimensional polyhedral bodies, including natural rock-shapes (see Figure below). Introducing real rock-shapes into rockfall modelling enables a better inclusion of the natural variability of rock-shapes and sizes generated from differing geological settings. With this we come closer to modelling the true nature of rockfall runout behaviour, integrating rock-shape and the release kinematics characteristic of site specific rockfall hazards.
Download RAMMS::ROCKFALL Factsheet (pdf)!
References:
Leine, R.; Schweizer, A.; Christen, M.; Glover, J.; Bartelt, P. & Gerber, W. 2013. Simulation of rockfall trajectories with consideration of rock shape. Multibody System Dynamics, 1-31.
Glover, J.; Denk, M.; Bourrier, F.; Volkwein, A.; Gerber, W., 2012: Measuring the kinetic energy dissipation effects of rock fall attenuating systems with video analysis. In: Koboltschnig, G.; Hübl, J.; Braun, J. (eds) 12th Congress INTERPRAEVENT, 23-26 April 2012 Grenoble - France. Proceedings. Vol. 1. Klagenfurt, International Research Society INTERPRAEVENT. 151-160.
Christen, M.; Bühler, Y.; Bartelt, P.; Leine, R.; Glover, J.; Schweizer, A.; Graf, C.; McArdell, B.W.; Gerber, W.; Deubelbeiss, Y.; Feistl, T. & Volkwein, A. (2012): Integral hazard management using a unified software environment: numerical simulation tool "RAMMS" for gravitational natural hazards. In: Koboltschnig, G.; Hübl, J.; Braun, J. (eds.) 12th Congress INTERPRAEVENT, 23-26 April 2012 Grenoble - France. Proceedings. Vol. 1. Klagenfurt, International Research Society INTERPRAEVENT. 77-86.
Glover, J.; Schweizer, A.; Christen, M.; Gerber, W.; Leine, R.; Bartelt, P., 2012: Numerical investigation of the influence of rock shape on rockfall trajectory. [Abstract] Geophys. Res. Abstr. 14: EGU2012-11022-1.
Glover, J.; Denk, M.; Bourrier, F.; Gerber, W.; Vokwein, A., 2012: Kinetic energy dissipation effects of rockfall attenuating systems. [Abstract] In: Koboltschnig, G.; Hübl, J.; Braun, J. (eds) 12th Congress INTERPRAEVENT, 23-26 April 2012 Grenoble - France. Extended abstracts. Klagenfurt, International Research Society INTERPRAEVENT. 138-139.