Dynamics of Rockslides and Rockfalls

Mass movement of rocks in high mountains can severely injure the population and damage man-made structures in these areas. This book focuses on the understanding of the mechanisms of rockslides and rockfalls using a quantitative approach. The range and velocity of these hazards are calculated to serve as a basis for evacuations and other preventive measures. Examples from four continents illustrate the necessity of this kind of information. The book contains a wealth of information for practitioners and scientists working in the field of catastrophe prevention.

Introduction.- Case Histories, Morphological Facts: Introductory Remarks; Pandemonium Creek; Blackhawks; Kofels; Val Pola; Vaiont; Huascaran; Synopsis of Results.- Comments on Mechanisms of Release: Causes and Signals - A Pragmatical Approach; From Cohesion to Motion; Particular Mechanisms.- Mechanisms of Disintegration: Static Disintegration; Dynamic Disintegration.- Mechanisms of Displacement: Coherent and Disintegrated Motion; Consequences of Velocity-Dependent Resistance; Falling, Rolling, Bouncing; Unlubricated Sliding; Lubrication; Fluidization; Various Mechanisms.- From Analysis to Prediction: Some Fundamentals; How to Determine Velocity; The Size Effect - A Useful Tool; Improvements - Possibilities and Limitations.- Secondary Effects: Flood Waves; Damming Effects; Various Secondary Effects.- Review of Highlights.- References.