A Method for Rockfall Hazard Assessments — Chapmans Peak Drive, Cape Town, South Africa

Authors: Schlotfeldt, P Download Paper

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/808_140

Cite As:
Schlotfeldt, P 2008, 'A Method for Rockfall Hazard Assessments — Chapmans Peak Drive, Cape Town, South Africa ', in Y Potvin, J Carter, A Dyskin & R Jeffrey (eds), SHIRMS 2008: Proceedings of the First Southern Hemisphere International Rock Mechanics Symposium, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 505-516, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/808_140



Abstract:
GIS was used as one of the primary analysis tools during a rockfall hazard assessment and analyses of Chapmans Peak Drive, south of Cape Town. This paper describes the methodology used and the results of this work. Key methods used included 1) the development of a digital elevation model (DEM) used to delineate rockfall runout zones; 2) rating zones using an adapted version of the Oregon rockfall hazard rating system (RHRS) in order to determine the relative vulnerability of individual zones to rockfall; 3) undertaking rock trajectory analyses to determine the distribution of kinetic energy for identified rockfall runout zones; and 4) undertaking event tree analyses based on the synthesis of all data in order to establish zones with the highest risk of fatalities. The results of this work shows that the vulnerability and risk varies considerably between zones. The reasons for these differences are briefly elucidated.

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