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An improved hazard assessment chart for rock falls in near vertical blocky rock environments

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Abstract

The purpose of the study was to perform rockfall stability analysis and develop an improved rockfall hazard matrix chart using the R518 road in Limpopo as the case study. The study entailed structural mapping, wedge simulation using stereonet plots. The RocFall software was then used to identify the parameters that influence the occurrence of rockfall. The software was also used to monitor the variations in the kinetic energy of rolling, bouncing or falling rocks. The effects of the initial height and velocity of falling rocks on the final destination of fragments were also explored. Results showed that the selected area along the R518 road consists of joints and bedding planes. These features weaken the rock mass and create wedges that can potentially fall. Simulations with RocFall, on the other hand, indicated that slope height, vegetation density, slope angle, the velocity of the falling rock largely contribute to the extent that the broken rock could reach. From the empirical and numerical findings, an improved rockfall hazard rating chart was proposed. The chart was found to be suitable for the rating of level of rockfall hazard along highways and roads.

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Acknowledgements

The authors will like to appreciate the sponsorship given by the two Universities (University of Limpopo and University of South Africa) for this study.

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Correspondence to Fhatuwani Sengani.

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The author wishes to confirm that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication, furthermore, there has been no financial support given to influence the outcome of this work.

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Appendices

Appendix A

Table 1.

Table 1 Geological or geotechnical mapping parameters

Appendix B

Table 2.

Table 2 Rock mass rating resulting using geological mapping data

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Sengani, F., Mulenga, F. An improved hazard assessment chart for rock falls in near vertical blocky rock environments. Environ Earth Sci 80, 647 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-021-09950-7

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