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CRSP-3D Application for Remediating a Rockfall at Yosemite National Park
Understanding the mechanisms of rockfalls is complex since falling rocks can bounce, slide, roll, and launch. Numerous mechanical and mathematical models have been developed to accurately simulate rockfalls and to gain a fundamental understanding of their behavior. The biggest challenge of numerical models has been validating the parameters of the models to implement the different geo-materials properties and slope conditions, such as slope material hardness, size and shapes of falling rocks, slope roughness and geometry, geological conditions, and presence of vegetation or snow. Efforts have been made to calibrate the variables through full scale field testing. However, due to the diversity of various scenarios, engineers face the difficulty of selecting the right parameters for local conditions to replicate field test results. A newly developed rockfall simulation program, CRSP-3D, based on the discrete element modeling technique, provides an advanced technical approach that allows engineers to back-calculate and calibrate rock and slope parameters using available data from field investigations, site explorations, and field test results. Once the slope model is calibrated, it can be used to accurately simulate future rockfalls and to design rockfall barriers, attenuators, and catchment areas in 3D. This rockfall program was recently used to simulate a rockfall hazard event that occurred on January, 2012 at Yosemite National Park, CA. During this event, a large granite boulder estimated to be over 500 tons dislodged from the top of a steep cliff onto the roadway creating a deep failure path through both traffic lanes, forcing a roadway closure. The data from field investigations were used to perform the CRSP-3D parameter calibration and numerical simulation calculations. The results successfully reproduced the rockfall event and provided reliable data for project remediation. This paper presents the results of the engineering case study to demonstrate the use of an efficient and accurate numerical tool for rockfall hazard mitigation.
CRSP-3D Application for Remediating a Rockfall at Yosemite National Park
Understanding the mechanisms of rockfalls is complex since falling rocks can bounce, slide, roll, and launch. Numerous mechanical and mathematical models have been developed to accurately simulate rockfalls and to gain a fundamental understanding of their behavior. The biggest challenge of numerical models has been validating the parameters of the models to implement the different geo-materials properties and slope conditions, such as slope material hardness, size and shapes of falling rocks, slope roughness and geometry, geological conditions, and presence of vegetation or snow. Efforts have been made to calibrate the variables through full scale field testing. However, due to the diversity of various scenarios, engineers face the difficulty of selecting the right parameters for local conditions to replicate field test results. A newly developed rockfall simulation program, CRSP-3D, based on the discrete element modeling technique, provides an advanced technical approach that allows engineers to back-calculate and calibrate rock and slope parameters using available data from field investigations, site explorations, and field test results. Once the slope model is calibrated, it can be used to accurately simulate future rockfalls and to design rockfall barriers, attenuators, and catchment areas in 3D. This rockfall program was recently used to simulate a rockfall hazard event that occurred on January, 2012 at Yosemite National Park, CA. During this event, a large granite boulder estimated to be over 500 tons dislodged from the top of a steep cliff onto the roadway creating a deep failure path through both traffic lanes, forcing a roadway closure. The data from field investigations were used to perform the CRSP-3D parameter calibration and numerical simulation calculations. The results successfully reproduced the rockfall event and provided reliable data for project remediation. This paper presents the results of the engineering case study to demonstrate the use of an efficient and accurate numerical tool for rockfall hazard mitigation.
CRSP-3D Application for Remediating a Rockfall at Yosemite National Park
Haramy, Khamis Y. (author) / Zhang, Runing (author) / Rock, Alan (author)
Geo-Congress 2013 ; 2013 ; San Diego, California, United States
Geo-Congress 2013 ; 592-603
2013-02-25
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
Dams , California , Geotechnical engineering , Landslides , Slopes , Embankments , Rocks , Rehabilitation , Soil stabilization , Parks
CRSP-3D Application for Remediating a Rockfall at Yosemite National Park
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