3D Stochastic Simulation of Rockfall Mechanism and Mitigation in the Batseri Zone

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-5-2024

Abstract

On 25 July 2021, a deadly rockfall at Batseri (Himachal Pradesh), India, killed 9 tourists and completely destroyed a crucial Bailey Bridge. The present study primarily focuses into the geomorphological and engineering geological attributes of the Batseri Rockfall dynamics. Extreme weathering phenomenon, adversely orientated joints, and abnormally high precipitation in the valley might have evoked the doomed incident. The work combines field study, structural analysis, and 3D stochastic assessment to ascertain the triggers, and trajectory of the rockfall. Runout distance, bounce height, kinetic energy, and velocity of the falling blocks with varying geometry and sizes have also been calculated. The results have been used to test the efficiency of rockfall barriers with different configurations and combinations to safeguard the affected strategically important road. These results can aid in mitigating the rockfall damage, effectively and economically. The simulation of potential blocks destroying the Bailey Bridge forms an important section of this research, and will assist in identification of suitable locations for new bridge instalment at Baspa River. Moreover, this work is perhaps the first of its kind to undertake the rigid body stochastic analysis for understanding the rockfall mechanism in such a large scale. The results discussed in the paper will be of use to understand similar events across the Himalayan terrains and develop policy for hazard mitigation.

Comments

This article was originally published in Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, volume 43, in 2024. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-024-03035-5

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1

Copyright

Springer

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