Rockfall hazard analysis in the Ganjnameh tourist area, west of Iran

Abstract

Ganjnameh area is considered an important historical-cultural and touristic place in the west of Iran, seriously threatened by rockfall problems. Attractions of this area yearly attract several thousand visitors from all over the world. Several rockfall events have occurred in the area in the past. Rockfalls occurrences will threaten the life safety of visitors during visiting and surveying of the place. The primary purpose of this research was a preliminary analysis of rockfall potential for the cultural heritage site. For this purpose, an investigation based on three phases was done, which are included: site investigation, laboratory testing, and rockfall simulation. Unstable blocks size, the geometry of slopes, weathering conditions, joint study, and sampling were measured and done during the site investigation phase. Physico-mechanical properties of granite were determined in the laboratory. Total kinetic energy, bounce height, and translational velocity of fallen blocks were determined as rockfall simulation outputs. Based on the obtained result, different mechanisms were found on the left side and right side of the study area. The rockfall problems on the right side could be related to jointing and freezing-thawing action, whereas on the left side, steep slope, weathering, and saturating are the main controlling factors. The results indicated that the footpath between Ganjnameh inscriptions and waterfall, which has a dense concentration of visitors, is subjected to severe problems of rockfall occurrences from both sides, especially the left side. Eventually, for the reduction of rockfall potential and its risk, remedial works are suggested.

Keywords

• ganjnameh
• rockfall
• site investigation
• weathering