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Combining ShapeMetriX and RocFall3 for Cost Effective Rockfall Risk Mitigation

Every year, thousands of pilgrims hike the “San Michele Arcangelo” trail in Italy’s Aurunci Regional Park-a path threatened by unstable slopes and rockfalls. A recent study combined ShapeMetriX for rapid reconstruction of a 3D model through rockface mapping and RocFall3 for advanced rockfall modelling to identify risks and propose safety measures. Here’s how these tools transformed data into actionable insights for a high-stakes environmental challenge. 

Challenge: Balancing Heritage Preservation and Safety 

The trail was closed in 2018 due to rockfall hazards which required a solution that could:

    • Map unstable rockfaces efficiently in rugged terrain.

    • Predict rockfall paths and block deposition areas.

    • Recommend mitigation actions to ensure the historic trail’s safe and continued accessibility.

    • Provide actionable data for engineers that could minimize the cost of fieldwork.

ShapeMetriX: Rapid, High-Resolution 3D Modeling 

Using terrestrial photogrammetry, researchers captured the slope’s geometry and structural features in hours, not days: 

Cost-Effective Data Capture & Model Generation Terrestrial imagery and photogrammetry was used to create highly detailed 3D models using ShapeMetriX. 

Discontinuity Mapping: Interactive model assessment in ShapeMetriX identified 41 joint surfaces. Utilizing the automatic cluster analysis feature in ShapeMetriX, 3 discontinuity sets, and a bedding joint set were mapped. 

Result: Engineers were able to map unstable zones safely and faster than traditional methods, allowing them to focus their analysis on the high-risk areas. 

Figure 1. Dense point cloud derived by ground-based image processing. Colors of arrows represent different discontinuity sets (DSs) and bedding joint set (S): DS1) orange; DS2) blue; DS3) green; S) red. A fraction of detected discontinuities is indicated as normal to planes and line features.

Kinematic Analysis

Data derived from discontinuity mapping and structural geological analysis were utilized to develop a Markland (1972)-based assessment aimed at defining the stability characteristics of the slope in terms of block detachment potential and associated failure modes, including wedge sliding, planar sliding, and block toppling. Potential risks were identified in three different slope sectors.

Figure 2. Markland test stereographic projections carried out on 3 different slope sectors a) N140°, b) N190°, c) N230° using mapped structural data. T1 indicates conditions for potential toppling instability, S1 for potential planar sliding and W1 for potential wedge formation.

RocFall3: Providing Insights Through Rockfall Simulation

RocFall3’s dual physics engines (lumped mass and rigid body) provided granular insights:

  • Energy & Velocity Analysis: Predicted trajectory heights up to 15m and kinetic energies reaching 1300 kJ- critical for protection design
  • Optimization of Protection Measures: Results from RocFall3 analysis (heatmaps of impact points, kinetic energies, and trajectory heights) can be used to inform cost-effective placement of protection measures
  • Outcome: RocFall3 identified 3 high-risk zones along the trail
Figure 3. 3-Dimensional visualization of rockfall trajectories in RocFall3

Synergy in Action: From Data to Decision-Making

The combined workflow delivered:

  1. Risk Prioritization: ShapeMetriX’s structural data flagged slopes with intersecting discontinuities as primary detachment zones.
  2. Scenario Testing: RocFall3 compared trajectories, validating that rigid-body models better captured complex rebounds and impact zones.

Why This Matters for Your Projects

  • Speed: ShapeMetriX cuts fieldwork time substantially and is ideal for remote or hazardous sites.
  • Depth: RocFall3’s simulations can be used to reduce overdesign in mitigation measures, saving cost.
  • Scalability: From mining benches to heritage sites, this workflow adapts to any slope stability challenge.

By bridging rapid data capture with advanced 3D modeling, ShapeMetriX and RocFall3 can empower your team to efficiently identify and remediate potential rock slope hazards.