Rockfalls and slope slides - issues to be delt with
The current issue of Geomechanics and Tunnelling sheds light on the experience and research in Austria, Switzerland and Germany regarding rockfalls and slope slides. The article by Thuro and Bundschuh for instance highlights a small but spectacular rockfall in Stein an der Traun causing the death of two people and triggered many questions regarding prevention and observation.
Therefore an article by Plinninger and Smettan describes which actions were taken after the incident in order to provide more safety for the population of Stein an der Traun. An extensive monitoring system as well as early warning measures are now put into place.
But these are just two examples of the impact prevention would have. Therefore modelling has become increasingly important, a topic also adressed in this issue of Geomechanics and Tunnelling.