RAMMS::ROCKFALL 1.6.70: The 3D Engine for Rockfall Hazard Mitigation
RAMMS::ROCKFALL 1.6.70 (Rapid Mass Movement Simulation) is a specialized, physics-based software for the three-dimensional simulation and quantitative analysis of rockfall events. Developed by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) and the ETH Zurich, it is the premier tool for geotechnical engineers, geologists, and civil engineers to assess rockfall hazards, predict rock trajectories, and design effective mitigation structures like barriers, nets, and dams.
Core Function: Predicting Rock Behavior on Real Terrain
The software’s primary function is to simulate the complex, stochastic movement of falling rocks in 3D. It calculates the probable trajectories, runout distances, bounce heights, and kinetic energies of thousands of simulated rockfalls on a high-resolution digital terrain model (DTM). This provides a statistical basis for hazard zoning and engineering design, moving beyond simple empirical methods.
Key Simulation & Analysis Capabilities:
1. 3D Trajectory & Runout Modeling
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Physics-Based Engine: Simulates the key rock interaction processes—free fall, rolling, sliding, and bouncing—using advanced, calibrated material models for rock-ground interaction.
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Stochastic Simulation: Launches thousands of rockfalls from defined release areas with random variations in initial conditions (velocity, direction, shape) to generate a comprehensive probabilistic hazard map.
2. Quantitative Hazard & Risk Analysis
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Hazard Mapping: Generates maps showing the spatial distribution of key parameters: reach probability, maximum kinetic energy, and maximum bounce height.
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Risk Assessment: Outputs can be used in quantitative risk assessment (QRA) to evaluate the probability of rockfall reaching a specific location (e.g., a road, building, railway).
3. Protective Measure Design & Optimization
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Barrier & Net Simulation: Directly models the interaction of falling rocks with flexible (catchment nets) and rigid protective barriers. It calculates impact forces, barrier deformations, and residual energies to verify the performance and optimize the placement of mitigation structures.
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Deposition Zone Analysis: Predicts where rocks will ultimately come to rest, informing the design of catchment areas (ditches, berms).
