Digital Rock Mass Analysis for the Evaluation of Rockfall Magnitude at Poorly Accessible Cliffs

The analysis of a digital rock cliff model, built by airborne photogrammetric data and infrared thermal images, is herein presented as an alternative tool for mass study in restricted poorly accessible areas. Photogrammetric thermography techniques were combined the geostructural morphological characterization unstable located nature reserve, where extension environmental preservation rules required use minimally invasive surveying solutions. This methodological approach provided quantitative qualitative on both spatial orientation discontinuities location major structural features, jutting blocks past rockfall source digitally derived used to carry out kinematic analysis, highlighting most recurring failure patterns. Thermal images overlapped model exploit combination analyze presence protruding volumes be referred potential volumes. Based this activity, quantified results provide zonation map magnitude future rockfalls threatening reserve. Digital validated field campaign, which returned satisfactory match, proving usefulness suitability approach, well allowing quick reliable frame practical risk management purposes.