Application of empirical rockfall classification methods to risk management in an Alpine valley road

Mountain secondary roads often follows complex land forms with high sub-vertical rock-cuts in outcropping rock prone to rock-fall events. Geo-structural rock mass surveys and collection of discontinuity data provide the basis for rock mass characterization and enable slope stability analysis and rock-fall hazard assessment. With this aim, a multiscale approach joining the non-contact techniques to the traditional one has been carried out focusing the rock cuts of a mountain road in Elva Valley (Piamonte, Italy). Based on collected data and the field visits, two different rock fall risk assessment empirical approaches were applied, namely the Rockfall Hazard Rating System (RHRS) and the so called Rockfall Risk Assessment for Quarries (ROFRAQ), adapted to road traffic. The application of these approaches to different road sections is demonstrated in the paper. Presented results will be the base to make risk management decisions and a discussion on results is eventually provided