Use of Rockfall Rating Systems in the Design of New Slopes

One typically uses different means to evaluate a highway rock slope depending on whether it exists currently or is in design. For example, the Rockfall Hazard Rating System (RHRS) and derivatives are commonly used to evaluate existing slopes and inform decision makers who are managing rock slope inventories. In contrast, kinematic and limit equilibrium analyses and methods based on observation and probability, such as Ritchey Ditch Criteria, Rockfall Catchment Area Design (RCAD), and the Colorado Rockfall Simulation Program (CRSP), are typically used to provide information for decision making when designing new slopes. Is there good reason for this difference? This paper raises this challenge and proposes that rating systems are not just good for existing inventories; they are good tools for design of new and rehabilitated slopes. Some of the challenges in using a rating system for design are addressed and the importance of distinguishing risk from hazard is highlighted. Finally, the paper demonstrates how rating systems can help users move towards and define a standard of practice for rock slope design in Colorado and other mountainous environments, and it discusses the challenge of establishing and applying an appropriate standard.

• Record URL:
  http://www.highwaygeologysymposium.org/wp-content/uploads/64_HGS-OPT.pdf
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Copyright © 2013 Highway Geology Symposium (HGS). Abstract reprinted with permission of the HGS.
• Corporate Authors:

  Highway Geology Symposium

  ,   United States 
• Authors:
  • Anderson, Scott A
  • DeMarco, Matthew J
• Conference:
  • 64th Highway Geology Symposium
  • Location: North Conway New Hampshire, United States
  • Date: 2013-9-9 to 2013-9-12
• Publication Date: 2013

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 349-366
• Monograph Title: Proceedings of the 64th Highway Geology Symposium (HGS 2013)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Design; Kinematics; Ratings; Rock slopes; Rockfalls
• Uncontrolled Terms: Rockfall hazard rating system
• Geographic Terms: Colorado
• Subject Areas: Design; Geotechnology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01644027
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 14 2017 6:37PM